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NBA reporter issues statement to clear name from Kings hot mic incident

Reporter Tristi Rodriguez released a formal statement addressing internet speculation surrounding an inadvertent broadcast pickup during the Sacramento Kings season kickoff event. While a local station's broadcast stream remained active between scheduled press appearances, an open microphone captured off-guard commentary assessing the physical appearance of athletes Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine.

Rodriguez explicitly denied being among the journalists heard on the recording, describing a difficult period where online rumors damaged her reputation.

Despite facing significant backlash and unwanted messages across digital platforms, Rodriguez expressed appreciation for colleagues who immediately recognized the audio did not belong to her. No verified identification of the speaking journalists has been officially confirmed by any credible media organization since the incident occurred during the team gathering.

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