ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter found himself in some hot water at home after sharing a rather personal anecdote during an appearance on Kevin Clark’s “This Is Football” podcast on Wednesday. The story, which stirred a buzz on social media, revolved around Schefter revealing the “weirdest place” he had ever broken a news story — a moment that happened to involve him being intimate with a woman.
During the podcast, Clark asked Schefter an unusual question: “What is the weirdest place you’ve ever broken a news story?” Schefter, with a knowing grin, recounted a surprising story that caught the internet’s attention. He explained that during his time covering the Denver Broncos, he broke news about a suspension shortly after an intimate moment with a woman.
“I can remember being in Denver one time,” Schefter said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. “I was, um… how do I say this? I had just spent time with this woman for the first time, and right then, I got a text that [former Broncos cornerback] Dale Carter was being suspended for eight games for substance abuse. So, as I continued to lay there, I confirmed it, and I got the job done, Kevin — in every which way.”
The story generated a mix of reactions, from laughter to disbelief, and quickly went viral on social media platforms. It also got the attention of Schefter’s wife, Sharri Maio, who didn’t seem to be as entertained by the anecdote as others were.
Schefter, who also appeared on WEEI’s 93.7 FM radio station on Wednesday, mentioned that he received multiple texts after sharing the story, including one from his wife. Laughing at the situation, Schefter acknowledged that the story hadn’t gone over well with her.
“All day long I’ve been responding to texts about this, including from my wife this afternoon,” Schefter said with a chuckle. “My wife didn’t appreciate the story as much as other people, I’d say. I should point that out. Some people enjoy it — my wife, not as much.”
When asked if he would share what his wife’s message said, Schefter opted to keep that part private, responding with a sheepish laugh. “I don’t know what to say… What do you want me to say?” he added, still chuckling.
Schefter later admitted that he was “completely shocked” at the attention the story received and how it took off on social media. “I said what I said, right?” he remarked, seemingly taking it in stride.
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The comments sparked quite a reaction online, with many viewers split between finding the story humorous and feeling that it crossed a line for a public figure. As a respected ESPN insider and prominent figure in the NFL world, Schefter’s anecdote was seen by many as a surprising revelation, considering his typically professional demeanor when reporting on the league.
Some users on social media criticized the story as inappropriate, while others saw it as an amusing behind-the-scenes look at the life of a breaking news journalist.
In an effort to clarify, Schefter later took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to provide additional context, stating that he technically broke the news after the intimate encounter. He didn’t shy away from the story but tried to emphasize that the sequence of events wasn’t quite as NSFW as some might have interpreted.
The incident Schefter described took place back in 2000, when Dale Carter, a cornerback for the Denver Broncos, was suspended by the NFL for a year due to violating the league’s substance-abuse policy for the third time. At that time, Schefter was working as a reporter for the Denver Post and was known for his thorough coverage of the Broncos and his ability to break major news stories before anyone else.
The story might have entertained podcast listeners, but it also shed light on the unique pressures that come with Schefter’s job. The demands of breaking news are relentless, and as this story shows, those demands can come at the most unexpected of moments.
Being first to report is a crucial aspect of the sports journalism industry, and Schefter’s commitment to his work, even in such a personal moment, speaks to the nature of his career.
Schefter married Sharri Maio in 2007, and the couple shares a daughter, Dylan, who is now 15 years old. Maio also has a son, Devon, from her previous marriage, and the blended family has often been featured on Schefter’s social media.
While Schefter is often in the limelight due to his role with ESPN, his family life has remained a more private aspect of his persona.
Given his wife’s reaction to this story, it’s clear that some moments are best kept away from the public eye, even for someone as experienced in the spotlight as Schefter.
Despite the lighthearted tone in which Schefter shared his story, it serves as a reminder of the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with personal relationships. His wife’s reaction underscores that some stories, no matter how amusing they may seem at first glance, can have unintended consequences on the home front.
It’s a reality that even well-known figures in the public sphere must navigate as they juggle their professional obligations with the sensitivities of family life.
In the aftermath of his story going viral, it will be interesting to see whether Schefter continues to share such personal anecdotes in the future.
For now, it appears the veteran insider will think twice before revealing any similar stories — especially when his wife might be listening.
