After multiple reporters were caught on a hot mic judging the attractiveness of certain Sacramento Kings players, one person is clearing their name of speculation.
The Kings officially launched the 2026-27 NBA season with their annual Media Day event this week, giving reporters access to players and coaches. Sacramento NBC affiliate KCRA was one of several local outlets livestreaming the event, and, to some reporters’ surprise, the livestream stayed live between player press conferences. At one point, the network’s mics picked up reporters talking about Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine being “fine” and “hella fine” among several other opinions and assessments that clearly were not meant for public consumption.
Several reporters have since been rumored to be the voices heard on the livestream. Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area and California is one reporter whose name quickly got caught up in those rumors. Rodriguez, however, has since issued a statement to confirm it was not her voice on the hot mic.
— Tristi Rodriguez (@tristi_r14) October 2, 2026
“The past few days have been tough. I got dragged into something that had nothing to do with me, and I watched my name and reputation tarnished across the internet. To be very clear – that was not my voice at Kings Media Day,” Rodriguez wrote.
“I want to clear my name, not for the trolls who have flooded my mentions and DMs with horrific messages, but for myself. Thank you to those who know me and my professionalism and immediately knew that wasn’t me. Your messages, support, and love have gone a long way over these extremely dark days.
“I’m looking forward to another exciting NBA season and continuing to do what I do best – my job,” Rodriguez said in closing.
After Rodriguez’s name was among those immediately speculated about in the wake of the hot mic incident, some reporters quickly defended her, saying her voice wasn’t one of those heard on the livestream. The rumors undoubtedly put Rodriguez in a tough spot. While she may not have wanted to give credence to the rumors and messages she was receiving, Rodriguez ultimately decided to address the story by clearing her name.
In the wake of the rampant speculation around which journalists were caught in the hot mic incident, no reputable outlet has confirmed the reporters involved, and no reporter has come forward to confirm whether it was their voice gossiping about players.