ESPN explains Lisa Salters absence in touching message after partner Stephanie White missed game
The veteran sideline reporter was a notable absence from Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, but play-by-play announcer Mike Breen explained the situation perfectly with a heartfelt message
ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen offered a touching message to Lisa Salters during Sunday's coverage of Indiana vs. Oklahoma City in Game 2 of the NBA finals after the veteran reporter was unexpectedly missing.
Salters has become a vital part of ESPN/NBC's NBA coverage, and so many were left wondering where she was after failing to show up for the clash at Paycom Center, which ended 123-107 to the Thunder, leveling their series with the Pacers at 1-1.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark was in attendance for the first clash between the two sides last Tuesday, where Pacers' point guard Tyrese Haliburton continued his streak of unlikely game-winning shots to secure a 111-110 victory for Indiana. The game had already made headlines for Shaquille O'Neal crashing ESPN's set during the live coverage.
Things weren't quite as chaotic on Sunday, however, especially once it emerged that Salters was absent from ESPN's coverage due to "personal reasons," which were later revealed to be in relation to her mother's health problems.
During the third quarter of Indiana's clash with Oklahoma City, Breen took the opportunity to issue a touching message to the 59-year-old and her mother, earning the plaudits of many.
"We are thinking of our dear friend and colleague, Lisa Salters," the Hall-of-Fame announcer began. "Lisa's mom has been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now, so we want to send our love to Lisa and her mom.
"Although we've never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have."
Breen's message touched the hearts of many, with some fans taking to social media to applaud him for the simple yet effective gesture.
One user on X wrote: "See, now that is a genuine comment. Simple things like this just show how much people care sometimes."
A second person said: "It’s clear that Lisa’s work is deeply appreciated in the field. Thoughtful remarks from Mike Breen."
"Beautifully said. All the love to Lisa and family," wrote another, while a fourth added: "A sincere acknowledgement of character and professionalism; respect to Salters and her family."
Since joining ESPN and ESPN on ABC as a reporter in 2000, Salters has become one of the network's most valuable assets, covering everything from the OJ Simpson murder trial to Olympic and World Cup coverage. It is in the NBA, however, where she's become most recognized.
The former college basketball player's absence comes just days after her partner and Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White also missed a game due to "personal reasons." However, like Salters, it now appears to be related to the health of the sideline reporter's mother.
Salters, who played basketball at Penn State, where she also got her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, also happens to be cousins with 1976 Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett. Together, her and White have raised four teenage boys together.