Journalism watchdog Tom Jones of the Poynter Institute has a reputation for fairness. But even he wonders if Charissa Thompson committed a fireable offense by admitting she sometimes made up sideline reports with coaches.

“I cannot cannot believe she said that. I’m stunned she would admit that on the air,” Jones said Thursday. “It completely sabotages every sideline reporter there is. Why should audiences now trust other sideline reporters – when one of the most prominent ones admits she makes things up?”

A hot take? Maybe, maybe not.

That was just one of the passionate reactions among sports media Thursday afternoon after Thompson’s interview with Barstool Sports’ popular “Pardon My Take” podcast went public.