Following Cooper Flagg’s gruesome ankle injury in the Duke Blue Devils’ matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, the coverage of his parents’ reaction led to numerous conversations online.
ESPN Cameras Show Cooper Flagg’s Parents’ Reaction Sparking Online Debate
Duke’s quarterfinal matchup in the ACC Tournament against Georgia Tech didn’t come without a scare.
As the Blue Devils’ best player and freshman phenom, Flagg, came down for a rebound late in the first half, he landed awkwardly and visibly twisted his ankle in a grisly fashion.
As the freshman stumbled off the court, clearly hampered by the injury and needing the assistance of his teammates, ESPN’s cameras swiftly cut to Flagg’s parents. They were seen visibly upset and concerned.
ESPN’s Cory Alexander: “You can see, of course, tremendous concern on the faces of Ralph and Kelly Flagg, Cooper’s parents … but I can tell you one thing, they are most concerned about the Blue Devils winning this game.” pic.twitter.com/hzgZnUe5GB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 13, 2025
Soon after, social media pointed out ESPN’s choice to include showing the parents of an injured player.
One fan had a strong opinion, questioning ESPN’s ethics.
“The media team that cut to Cooper Flagg’s stunned parents after he got injured is evil bro. Prayers up for Cooper.”
Another fan complained, saying “Why does ESPN feel the need to show Ccoper Flagg’s parents every two minutes.”
Although it may be appropriate to show the parents after a highlight play — much like Flagg’s game-sealing dunk against the North Carolina Tar Heels less than a week ago, when ESPN’s camera cut to his parents celebrating — an injury is a much different issue.
Clearly his parents were concerned — arguably not something they’d agree with being publicly shown across ESPN’s extremely popular platform. They are in a public place and therefore subject to being on camera, as they are throughout many games.
But ESPN’s decision to pan to them right after the injury is a curious one.
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Flagg was soon wheel-chaired to the team’s locker room before coming back onto the floor in a warmup shirt to support his teammates for the second half. He appeared to be moving better, inspiring hope that he may be able to come back soon.
Just how soon will be determined in the next 24 hours, as the Blue Devils, by virtue of their 78-70 victory over Georgia Tech, will face either the North Carolina Tar Heels or Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday afternoon.
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