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The Dan Le Batard Show · Podcast summary

The Michael Behind "Hey, Michael" Joins the Show | Hour 1

Michael House, the reporter who became an accidental meme, joins the show to discuss his viral interaction with Coach James Franklin and the broader implications of journalistic integrity in sports.

The Michael Behind "Hey, Michael" Joins the Show | Hour 1 Listen on the show ↗

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In a segment that has since become a viral sensation, reporter Michael House found himself at the center of an unexpected and awkward exchange with Penn State's head football coach, James Franklin. What started as a routine press conference question quickly devolved into a repetitive and almost comical back-and-forth of "Hey, Michael," leaving House, and eventually the internet, utterly bewildered. House joined the show to recount the experience, delve into the nuances of reporter-coach relationships, and discuss the evolving landscape of sports journalism.

The Viral Moment: "Hey, Michael"

Michael House, a reporter for the Baltimore Sun, described the surreal experience of being on a Zoom call with Coach Franklin. House, unable to see the podium, began his question with a standard "Hey, Coach." What followed was a series of interruptions from Franklin, repeatedly greeting House with "Hey, Michael." House initially thought there was an audio issue or a technical glitch, but as the greetings continued, he realized something else was at play. "I'm thinking, is the Zoom audio tripping? Like, what is going on?" House recalled. He paused, asked if Franklin could hear him, to which Franklin replied, "Yes, I'm asking how are you?" It was at this point that House understood Franklin was engaged in some sort of "bit" that House was not privy to. The segment quickly gained traction online, with many finding humor in the bizarre interaction.

Keep reading in The Digest

The full 5-minute article, 5 more sections, and every new episode from The Dan Le Batard Show and the creators you follow.

  1. The "Coach" Controversy: A Journalistic Debate
  2. The Intimidation Factor: Coaches vs. Reporters
  3. The Evolution of Sports Media: Access vs. Authenticity
  4. Tom Cruise: The Last Movie Star?
  5. The Hyperbole of Sports Commentary
Read the full digest — free

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