ESPNU broadcast of ASU-OSU game falsely claims firing of Sean Miller

Twitter was sent into a frenzy when a broadcaster for the ASU game said that, “Sean Miller had been relieved of his duties at Arizona.”

The moment came with 1:27 to go in the first half of the Arizona State game on ESPNU against Oregon State.

ESPN reporting Sean Miller is out at Arizona. #12Sports pic.twitter.com/V7DuBnjQg1

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) February 25, 2018

It was quickly retracted after the halftime show.

The report moments ago on the ESPNU broadcast that Sean Miller had been fired was inadvertent. #12Sports pic.twitter.com/J8we7Arkyf

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) February 25, 2018

In a joint statement earlier in the day, it was revealed that Sean Miller would not coach for the team against Oregon. There was no mention of the school firing Miller or whether Miller would resign.

It has been a tumultuous weekend for the Wildcats after first receiving news of the suspension of Allonzo Trier for using a banned substance. Then late on Friday night news broke that the FBI had obtained wiretaps that have Miller discussing payments during the recruitment of freshman superstar Deandre Ayton. 

Miller and the university released side-by-side statements which addressed the most recent developments.

The statement released by the university said “Deandre Ayton is eligible and will play.”

In Miller’s statement, the head coach said, “I believe it is in the best interest of our team that I not coach the game tonight.”

When the ESPNU broadcast reported that Miller was fired, it sent shockwaves through the twitterverse.

ESPN just said the “Miller Fired” information is “inadvertent.”

I’m not quite sure how the wrong info goes to the commentators, but that’s a rough mistake. https://t.co/ivab2S8b0s

— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) February 25, 2018

ESPN just said the “Miller Fired” information is “inadvertent.”

I’m not quite sure how the wrong info goes to the commentators, but that’s a rough mistake. https://t.co/ivab2S8b0s

— Kevaney Martin (@KevaneyMartin) February 25, 2018

ESPN reported that Miller was fired, then quickly retracted it. Things are really getting crazy.

— Carl Berman (@carlberman) February 25, 2018

ESPN: “Sean Miller has been fired.”

“Sorry, that should say ‘fired up’”

“Also, Miller is guilty ……………..
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of never reaching a Final Four.”

— Justin Campana (@Justin_Campana) February 25, 2018

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