Dave Pasch surely knows about Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.
Yet for some reason, the veteran ESPN play-by-play announcer referred to Gafford as “Gaffney” in Thursday night’s Mavericks-Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game.
Not just once, but several times.
Dave Pasch has referred to the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford as “Gaffney” a few times on this ESPN broadcast. pic.twitter.com/SQKhfu7rtQ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 10, 2024
Granted, Gafford is not one of the NBA’s superstars, not someone who drives ticket and merchandise sales and TV ratings. He’s a role player (11 points per game this season). But he’s been around five seasons now. And he has played a key role for the Mavericks down the stretch since being acquired in a February trade with the Washington Wizards.
Gafford deserves better.
@DavePasch it is GAFFORD!! Put some respect on his name!! pic.twitter.com/UBHi67QLri
— 🐗 Go HOGS Go 🐗 (@meow4marjorie) May 10, 2024
So it’s a mystery how Pasch confused Gafford for “Gaffney” in Game 2. But fans took notice.
Dave Pasch calling Daniel Gafford “Gaffney” at least three times on this broadcast is pretty damn embarrassing.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) May 10, 2024
Why is Dave Pasch continuously calling Daniel Gafford “Gaffney”
Somebody help this man
— JG (@The_Real_Grande) May 10, 2024
Dave Pasch keeps calling Daniel Gafford, Gaffney… pic.twitter.com/TUv5Zgm4A8
— Mr. Completing Side Quests (@JamielSale) May 10, 2024
ESPN’s announcers are several tiers below TNT’s. I normally don’t hate Dave Pasch, but how many times is he going to call Gafford “Gaffney” before someone corrects him ? 🙄
— Mark Matranga – you’re grammar expert (@mark_matranga) May 10, 2024
Pasch joined ESPN in 2003. He’s earned high marks for his professionalism, someone who keeps the broadcast on track, although he and color analyst Bill Walton have had some memorable exchanges during games through the years.
But fans were right on Thursday. It’s Gafford, not “Gaffney.” Here’s betting that’s a name Pasch never gets wrong again.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.