On February 22, 2026, ESPN faced widespread backlash after airing a tribute to the late NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore, but mistakenly showed images of another player. During a SportsCenter segment hosted by Scott Van Pelt, photos of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price appeared while Van Pelt spoke about Moore’s passing. This error quickly stirred anger among fans and critics, highlighting a significant lapse in editorial care during a sensitive moment.
Details Behind the On-Air Mistake and Its Context
Rondale Moore, originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, had joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, the same year Myles Price, an undrafted free agent, began his NFL career. Although both wide receivers were on the Vikings roster for one season, they had limited interaction on the field. The tribute segment aired shortly after Moore’s death, which authorities preliminarily ruled as a self-inflicted gunshot wound on February 21, discovered at a residence on the 1600 block of Ekin Avenue in New York.
Moore’s untimely death shocked the NFL community, especially given his struggles with mental health and multiple season-ending injuries that sidelined him for two consecutive years. The tribute was intended to honor his legacy, but the use of Price’s images instead of Moore’s was viewed by many as a hurtful mistake that disrespected the deceased player’s memory. Despite the visual error, Van Pelt continued with the tribute without correction, which intensified the criticism.
Fan Outrage and Social Media Backlash
The incorrect tribute quickly became a trending topic online, with a flood of outrage directed at ESPN and Scott Van Pelt. Fans and commentators accused the network of rushing the segment and failing to verify critical details. Social media posts emphasized the disrespect shown to Moore’s memory, with many users condemning ESPN for what they called a gross editorial error.
ESPN couldn’t even get the right photo for a dead man’s tribute segment,
a fan remarked.
Rondale Moore deserved better than being misidentified on national television hours after his death. Absolutely disgraceful editorial failure from a billion dollar network.
Additional voices criticized the rush to be first in news coverage rather than prioritizing accuracy and respect.
This is what happens when you rush trying to push a news and fail epically.
Some users extended their frustration beyond ESPN to question the wider sports journalism landscape’s reliability, pointing to repeated errors by well-known networks and reporters.
What else do you expect from ESPN?? LMAO,
one user commented.
Have you read any other articles or fact checked any reporting? The website and its “journalists” are full of errors. It’s incredible to see how far the worldwide leader in sports has fallen.
However, a segment of supporters defended Van Pelt himself, arguing that he relayed the information provided by producers and was not personally responsible for the mistake.
Blame the producers, a fan wrote. Van Pelt isn’t a podcaster.
Previous Controversies Involving Scott Van Pelt
This incident adds to past controversies involving ESPN host Scott Van Pelt, including a widely criticized reaction during a live New Year‘s Eve broadcast in 2026, where he reacted negatively to unexpected footage appearing on screen. While that previous moment generated backlash for perceived insensitivity, the latest mistake involving Rondale Moore has been met with even stronger disapproval, given the gravity of the situation surrounding a player’s death.
Implications for ESPN and the NFL Community
The incident has raised serious concerns about the standards of accuracy and sensitivity in sports broadcasting during times of tragedy. Fans expect broadcasters to handle such subjects with care, and many see this blunder as a failure to honor Rondale Moore’s life appropriately. The error also brings attention to internal communication failures and editorial oversight within major sports networks like ESPN.
Despite the fierce criticism and calls for accountability, there has been no official apology or acknowledgment issued by ESPN or Scott Van Pelt at the time of this report. The lack of response leaves many wondering how the network will address the situation to restore trust among viewers and respect toward the player’s family.
Wider Reaction from the NFL and Mental Health Advocates
The NFL community continues to process the loss of Moore, and public figures within the sport have spoken out on mental health awareness, hoping to prevent similar tragedies. Former NFL nose tackle Breiden Fehoko expressed solidarity and offered support to those struggling, highlighting the ongoing challenges players face off the field.
While the tribute mishap overshadowed the somber moments following Moore’s death, the focus remains on the need for better education and resources addressing mental health within professional sports. The incident underscores how deeply the repercussions of such errors can affect fans, families, and the broader community.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Accurate Reporting in Sensitive Moments
Moving forward, this episode serves as a stark reminder to media outlets about the critical role of diligence and respect in reporting on sensitive topics, especially those involving untimely deaths. Increasing pressure to be the first to break news must never compromise the accuracy or dignity owed to individuals and their loved ones.
As the sports world continues to mourn Rondale Moore, attention will likely focus on whether ESPN and associated personnel take meaningful steps to acknowledge the mistake and improve their editorial practices. Fans, players, and commentators alike expect respectful and thoughtful coverage when paying tribute to those who have passed away.
TRENDING: ESPN is under heavy criticism for using multiple photos of #Vikings WR Myles Price during their tribute segment for Rondale Moore.
SportsCenter Scott Van Pelt spent a segment talking about Moore while a photo of Price was up behind him.
This is sad and disrespectful. pic.twitter.com/PaM6HCP4Qk
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 22, 2026
