Seattle Mariners reporter Angie Mentik has unexpectedly found herself at the center of a social media storm after a candid pre-interview moment was caught on camera and shared online.
The clip, which quickly went viral, appears to show the veteran broadcaster turning to AI for assistance just moments before going live, sparking a wide range of reactions from fans.
The incident occurred following the Mariners’ tough 7-6 loss to the San Diego Padres. Seattle had built a comfortable 6-2 lead through five innings but collapsed late, allowing rally that ended with a walk-off double.
However, a nearby fan captured footage of her phone screen, revealing that she had searched for “good questions after a tough loss in baseball” using Google’s AI assistant, Gemini.
The moment quickly spread across platforms, drawing millions of views and igniting debate about professionalism and the evolving role of technology in sports journalism.
Mentik, who has covered the Mariners for nearly three decades, is widely respected for her experience and insight.
That reputation led many to defend her, arguing that using AI as a quick brainstorming tool is no different from traditional research methods.
On the other hand, critics viewed the moment differently, questioning whether a seasoned reporter should rely on AI for basic interview preparation.
Despite the mixed reactions, the situation highlights a larger shift in how professionals approach their work in a digital age. Whether seen as practical or problematic.