- Scott Van Pelt almost committed a live-TV gaffe during SportsCenter as the clock hit midnight.
- ABC’s Times Square feed showed couples kissing, including two men, prompting a visible reaction from Van Pelt.
- Van Pelt paused, recovered quickly and turned the moment into a New Year’s greeting, avoiding controversy.
H2: What happened on SportsCenter at midnight
ESPN’s late-night SportsCenter was on air as the calendar flipped from 2025 to 2026 when ABC cut into the broadcast with live Times Square coverage. The feed showed crowds celebrating, with the cameras panning couples kissing as the ball dropped.
Scott Van Pelt — host of SportsCenter’s late edition since 2015 — acknowledged the interruption, joking about the unexpected footage. But when the ABC shot landed on two men kissing, cameras captured a split-second reaction that looked like he might say something off-script.
H3: A near-moment and a fast recovery
For a heartbeat Van Pelt’s expression and pause suggested he was processing what to say. Viewers and social posts noted how close the clip came to becoming a headline for the wrong reasons. Instead of following through, Van Pelt pivoted smoothly.
“We’ve got love in the air. We’ve got makeouts. Who’s having a good time? Happy New Year everybody!” he said, turning the potentially awkward moment into a brief positive sign-off and keeping the show on track.
H4: Social reaction and the clip that spread
A clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) by David Pinsen captured Van Pelt’s visible pause and quick recalibration, and the post circulated as viewers praised the on-air save. The shared post reads:
“Here’s Scott Van Pelt getting visibly repulsed by seeing two gay men kissing in Times Square and then deftly catching himself before saying what he’s thinking.” — https://x.com/dpinsen/status/2006593971162886564
That post and others underscored how live television can produce tense micro-moments that pivot quickly with the right response.
H3: Why this matters
Live broadcasts that cross to other networks or feeds create unpredictable situations. Hosts must think fast to avoid missteps that could spark controversy. Van Pelt’s pause revealed the risk; his recovery showed professional instinct — a quick pivot to a neutral, upbeat line that defused any potential backlash.
H4: The takeaway
SportsCenter and Van Pelt walked away with a small live-TV victory. The segment illustrates both the fragility and the resilience of live broadcasting: one small beat, one good line, and a potential gaffe can be averted.
Embedded post:
David Pinsen — X/Twitter: https://x.com/dpinsen/status/2006593971162886564
Van Pelt continues to host late SportsCenter editions and remains a steady presence in ESPN’s late-night lineup. The New Year’s clip is a reminder that even veteran hosts face surprise moments — and sometimes the best on-air move is a short pause followed by a cheerful pivot.
Image Referance: https://thelibertyline.com/2026/01/01/scott-van-pelt-new-years-eve/
