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Did Peter Burns Get Put in His Place by Benjamin Watson?

Karl Heiser / College Football / November 20, 2022

Did Peter Burns Get Put in His Place by Benjamin Watson?

At halftime of today’s college football game between the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores, the SEC Network crew had a bit of an awkward situation on their hands. During some pre-commercial banter, host Peter Burns got himself in hot water with analyst Benjamin Watson.

Burns: “Did you not get the memo on the suits? We all went dark today, you’re like Easter service.”

Watson: “As long as I get the text from my wife that says I look good, I’m alright. [Addressing Camera] Send me the text babe, send me the text!”

Burns: “That’s not the one she sent me.”

😲 Not sure if this just turned into a random bit, but Benjamin Watson looks legit upset that Peter Burns made a joke about his wife. pic.twitter.com/XxLvhgrnx5
— Cork Gaines, Ph.D. (@CorkGaines) November 19, 2022

The broadcast then cut to commercial break. When the SEC Network show returned to air, only fellow commentators Chris Doeren and Takeo Spikes were sitting in their respective chairs. Watson returned to his seat soon after the program resumed, prompting Doeren to reference the Will Smith incident at the Oscars and ask, “Did you have him keep your wife’s name out his mouth?” Watson barely offered a response and Peter Burns did not immediately return to set.

Many speculated that Watson had taken Burns off camera to put him in his place. Skeptics suggested that it was all an extended bit they had decided on during the commercial break. Peter Burns later posted a selfie with Watson, which didn’t make things any less awkward.

#Friendship pic.twitter.com/3D41kTpF73
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) November 19, 2022

Benjamin Watson had no interest in smiling for the picture.

Despite some joking between the two on set after the incident, Benjamin Watson’s reply to the tweet put to rest any speculation that he feigned displeasure with Burns. He says Mrs. Watson is owed a public apology.