Mike Tirico Hilariously Interviewed a 76ers Fan Who Wasn’t Happy With Refs Mid-Game

Mike Tirico interviewed a fan during the 76ers-Celtics game Tuesday
Mike Tirico interviewed a fan during the 76ers-Celtics game Tuesday / Screengrab via NBC

Mike Tirico is a pro’s pro.

The NBC broadcaster called the 76ers-Celtics game in Philadelphia Tuesday night and he showcased his hard-hitting journalism chops when he turned around from the broadcast booth to interview a fan that loudly complained about the officiating. The hilarious moment happened after Sixers guard Quentin Grimes was called for a foul at the start of the fourth quarter which sent Celtics guard Anfernee Simons to the line in a close game.

“That’s not a shooting foul, it’s on the floor,” the fan was overheard saying on the NBC broadcast as Tirico let out a laugh.

Reggie Miller was impressed with the fan’s knowledge as Tirico turned around to ask him his name and hometown. Michael from Ocean City, N.J., was the fan who made the impromptu appearance on the national broadcast in the funny moment.

“Michael from Ocean City right behind us, you heard him,” Tirico said. “You know, in the business you like to have the natural sounds so people feel like they’re at the game. In Philly, it’s always a little dangerous.”

Luckily this time was all in good fun and incited plenty of laughter from the broadcast booth. Michael from Ocean City got to go home happy as his 76ers pulled out a 102-100 win over the Celtics to advance to 7-4 on the year. Plus, he leaves with a great story for the water cooler tomorrow.


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Blake Silverman
BLAKE SILVERMAN

Blake Silverman is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the WNBA, NBA, G League and college basketball for numerous sites, including Winsidr, SB Nation's Detroit Bad Boys and A10Talk. He graduated from Michigan State University before receiving a master's in sports journalism from St. Bonaventure University. Outside of work, he's probably binging the latest Netflix documentary, at a yoga studio or enjoying everything Detroit sports. A lifelong Michigander, he lives in suburban Detroit with his wife, young son and their personal petting zoo of two cats and a dog.