An Australian sports reporter has issued an apology following an incident where she appeared to be under the influence during a segment at the Winter Olympics.
Danika Mason, who is a reporter for Channel 9 and is well-known for covering the National Rugby League, appeared on the Today Show to provide coverage from the Olympics.
In the segment, Danika spoke incoherently about coffee prices, the United States, and iguanas, stating: “Literally like the price of coffee over here is actually fine, it’s more the price of coffee in the US that we’re gonna have to get used to. I’m not sure about the iguanas, where are we going with that one?”
Following her segment, presenter Karl Stefanovic commented: “Look the cold weather is a thing, right. You can’t actually move your lips.”
The broadcast received mixed reactions from viewers, with some finding it entertaining while others criticized it.
Some viewers were entertained, with one person writing on X: “Good on her, nothing wrong with this. You can tell she’s having an absolute ball over there.”
Conversely, another viewer expressed strong disapproval, stating: “If it’s not a health issue, she should be sacked on the spot – very unprofessional.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supported Danika, mentioning he was ‘pro-Danika’ and suggested that jet lag could have been a factor.
Danika later took the opportunity to apologize during another appearance on the Today show for drinking before her segment.
“I want to take full responsibility, it’s not the standard I set myself,” she expressed after completing her report.
She thanked those who expressed concern and reassured everyone that she was ‘ok, probably just a little embarrassed’.
Danika explained her misjudgment in drinking, acknowledging that the cold and high altitude amplified the alcohol’s effects.
“Look, I totally misjudged the situation,” she admitted, “I shouldn’t have had a drink, especially in these conditions, it’s cold, we’ve got altitude, and not having had dinner probably didn’t help as well.”
She reiterated her apology, stating, “So in saying that, I’m genuinely really sorry and I’m thanking everyone for those messages I’ve received as well.”
Today show host Jayne Azzopardi offered reassurance, saying, “We know how hard you work, Danika.”
Additionally, co-host Karl Stefanovic called her a ‘legend’.