During the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, CBS Sports found itself in hot water for its singular focus on one fan during a thrilling second-round matchup between No. 1 Florida and No. 8 UConn. As the game unfolded and the score was knotted at 31-31 at halftime, viewers became increasingly vocal about the network’s decision to spotlight Ashley Elsey, the mother of Florida freshman Liam McNeeley, repeatedly throughout the broadcast.
This constant cutaway to McNeeley’s mother led to a wave of criticism online, with fans deeming the coverage excessive and unnecessary. Social media quickly lit up with frustration as viewers voiced their discontent, questioning why one individual garnered so much screen time while other parents in the stands remained largely overlooked.
Fans openly lamented CBS’s editorial choices, suggesting that the heavy focus on McNeeley’s mom became a source of distraction rather than a compliment to the game. One keen observer even launched a playful jab at the situation, asking, “Over/Under of how many more times they’ll show Liam McNeeley’s mom in the second half?”—a clever nod to how pervasive the coverage felt.
Another viewer echoed this sentiment, succinctly requesting, “Please stop cutting to McNeeley’s mom after every play in this Florida-UConn game. Thanks.” These reactions encapsulated the growing fatigue among fans who felt that the network’s current approach strayed too far from balanced coverage.
Interestingly, some commentators drew comparisons to the NFL’s recurring emphasis on Taylor Swift during Kansas City Chiefs games. This situation underlines a fine line that broadcasters often tread between telling engaging stories and venturing into the realm of overexposure. While capturing notable figures in the crowd can enhance the viewing experience, many felt this episode slipped into an excessive fixation.
Although CBS has remained silent amidst the backlash, it raises questions about whether the network might recalibrate its strategy going forward. As the tournament intensifies and emotions run high, discussions around appropriate crowd coverage are bound to continue. As the second half of the Florida-UConn game kicked off, all eyes returned to the court—but viewers are left pondering if CBS will act on the critique surrounding its approach.
