In life, three things are certain: death, taxes, and professional athletes dropping profanities during postgame interviews. The latest example is Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who, while preparing for a FanDuel Sports Network North postgame interview with Lea Olsen following a thrilling 131-128 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, inadvertently let a curse slip while on-air. As the interview began, Edwards declared, “Way to ******* hoop, y’all,” seemingly unaware that the cameras were rolling. Olsen promptly reminded him, “Gentlemen, we’re on live now, we’re on air now, Ant.”
Anthony Edwards is quite happy with the win. 🏀🤬🎙️pic.twitter.com/WV412P49CL https://t.co/xXi6RzOyQr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 25, 2025
Typically, there’s minimal regulatory concern for FanDuel Sports Network North regarding such slip-ups. While FCC complaints are possible over profanities on cable, they tend to be less frequent than on broadcast networks. Notably, only major high-viewership events like the Super Bowl attract significant complaints. The key issue for networks often involves misuse of emergency alert tones rather than athlete language. Despite this, networks generally aim to avoid airing profanities, yet they have become commonplace in postgame interviews, and Edwards is just the latest athlete to join this trend.
Although networks may not face severe repercussions for aired profanities, leagues can impose fines. For instance, the NBA previously fined Edwards $100,000 for using profanity during a postgame interview with FanDuel Sports Network North in December. Prior to that, he faced fines of $25,000 for similar language in a locker room and $75,000 for criticizing officiating along with additional profanity. It remains to be seen if the NBA will take action against him again.
