
ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi got uncomfortably personal with an athlete once again.
Tasked with interviewing Serena Williams following the tennis star’s finals win at Wimbledon Saturday, Rinaldi leaned in for a little hug and cheek-type kiss prior to commencing with the questions.
BRUH TOM RINALDI GOTTA CHILL pic.twitter.com/iFtHxnbC11
— $HΛRKY Mc$TEVENSON (@iamAmani_) July 11, 2015
As someone with media experience, giving an athlete a hug/kiss before an interview like that seems to be crossing a journalistic line. Of course, it’s nothing new for Rinaldi who has been criticized for doing similar things with Tim Tebow and even a football coach.
Maybe it’s these sort of interpersonal skills that leads to athletes warming up to him. Still, that’s just a tad much.
Photo via @WorldofIsaac