CBS announcer receives blowback for saying JuJu Watkins ‘lit the world of Los Angeles on fire’

CBS Sports announcer Lisa Byington attempted to pay major respect to USC phenom JuJu Watkins. Unfortunately, she used an ill-timed phrase to describe how Watkins has developed into one of the superstars in all of college basketball.

During Sunday’s Big Ten Tournament title game, Byington said Watkins has “caught the women’s basketball world by storm” but didn’t stop there.

“(She) certainly lit the world of Los Angeles on fire,” continued Byington.

Of course, that phrase is often used to describe a hot star or burgeoning superstar in the world of sports. But the recent wildfires in LA left many without homes and endangered countless lives, so a better, more thought-out response was needed at that particular moment.

That comment by Byington undoubtedly drew a lot of attention with fans on social media weighing in. Many agreed with the idea that the particular comment in question was a bit tone-deaf for such a major star and a major recent tragedy.

Here’s how social media reacted to the event:

Byington’s comment, unfortunately (briefly) overshadowed what was a fantastic game between the LA rivals. UCLA completed the major second-half comeback to take down the Trojans, 72-67, to win the B1G Tournament.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.