CBS Sports is under fire for repeatedly focusing on a single fan during the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The controversy unfolded during Sunday afternoon’s matchup between No. 1 Florida and No. 8 UConn, a highly anticipated second-round clash. While the game remained a tight contest, tied at 31-31 at halftime, much of the discussion online centered on the network’s decision to continuously spotlight one spectator, Ashley Elsey, the mother of Florida freshman Liam McNeeley.
The frequent cutaways to McNeeley’s mother sparked criticism from fans who found the coverage excessive and unnecessary. Viewers took to social media to voice their frustration, questioning why CBS repeatedly showed Elsey while other parents in the crowd received far less attention.
Viewers Express Frustration Over Repetitive Coverage
Many college basketball fans expressed their displeasure with CBS’s editorial choices, calling the frequent shots of McNeeley’s mom distracting. Commenters on social media urged the network to diversify its crowd shots instead of fixating on one individual.
“Over/Under of how many more times they’ll show Liam McNeeley’s mom in the second half?” one fan posted.
Another viewer echoed the sentiment, writing, “Please stop cutting to McNeeley’s mom after every play in this Florida-UConn game. Thanks.”
Some fans compared the situation to the NFL’s repeated coverage of Taylor Swift during Kansas City Chiefs games, highlighting that broadcasters must walk between engaging storytelling and overexposure. While networks often highlight notable figures in the crowd, many felt this instance crossed into excessive territory.
CBS has not commented on the backlash, and it remains to be seen if the network will adjust its approach in future broadcasts. With the tournament heating up and emotions running high, the debate over appropriate crowd coverage will likely persist. As the second half of the Florida-UConn game got underway, all eyes were back on the court, but whether CBS heeded the criticism remains a point of contention for viewers.
