Fox Sports' Kristine Leahy says networks should stop putting LaVar Ball on air 'just to get controversial statements'
On Wednesday, Ball and Leahy got into a tense exchange on-air when Leahy asked Ball how many pairs of ZO2s, the $495 shoe he designed for his son, NBA prospect Lonzo Ball, he has sold.
Ball told Leahy to "stay in [her] lane," adding that he didn't want to talk to or look at her because she's a "hater." Ball also seemingly mocked Leahy's past criticisms of his Big Baller Brand, saying in a high-pitched voice, "'I would never wear a Big Baller shirt.' Well, good. Don't even talk to me."
On Thursday, Leahy said networks should stop putting on air "just to get controversial statements."
"I hope that yesterday showed who he is and that we stop putting him on all of these networks just to get controversial statements out of him because that is potentially what could happen," Leahy said. "And I think there's no place for that in TV, no matter what kind of ratings you're going to get."
Cowherd said that Ball "disrespected" Leahy, but said he did not intervene because it would have "weakened her position. During the exchange on Wednesday, Cowherd told Ball, "She's a reporter. Her job is to probe."
Cowherd also said on Thursday that he invites Ball onto his show because he drives listeners and attention. He added of Wednesday's interview, "What it did was unveil a side of LaVar Ball which is closer to the truth. There's a dark side. I thought he was a bully."
Leahy and Cowherd's reaction on Thursday can be seen here >