American commentator slammed for 'absolutely disgusting' response to sideline injury

NFL legend Gary Danielson is in hot water over his "absolutely disgusting" response to the moment a sideline photographer was hospitalised in a freak incident during Georgia's big win over Auburn.

The SEC blockbuster between the traditional rivals delivered a romping win for the Bulldogs, but it was overshadowed by the distressing moment a photographer was bulldozed by a player after he was pushed over the sideline during the second quarter.

Georgia running back Brian Herrien appeared to leave a spectator stunned on the ground after he cannoned into a group of people standing on the sideline.

After the play, cameras revealed a spectator had been left on the ground motionless.

It was at this point that Danielson, a former quarterback for the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, laughed into his microphone during CBS' coverage of the game.

The veteran commentator giggled about the woman getting flattened and even poked fun at her for not paying attention to the game.

It emerged immediately after that the woman was in need of medical help and was eventually taken to hospital.

An AP photographer captures the moment Brian Herrien collided on the sidelines with intern Chamberlain Smith during the Georgia/Auburn game Saturday night.
(Image: AP Photo/Butch Dill) pic.twitter.com/iVdcyFPgn7

— WTVC Sports (@WTVCSports) November 17, 2019

CBS cameras also zoomed in on the woman as she was stretchered from the field

The woman hurt in the incident has been revealed to be 2018 graduate from the University of Georgia Chamberlain Smith.

Smith, a media intern, released a statement on social media where she said she was incredibly thankful for the flood of support she has received.

"Last night was very scary, but I'm so glad to be walking away with nothing more than a concussion & some bruises," Smith wrote on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/WLfO6X4b2j

— Chamberlain Smith (@ChamberlainSmit) November 17, 2019

University of Georgia on Sunday (AEDT) announced Smith was "communicative" and was released from hospital after being monitored for further impacts of concussion.

Danielson's crass response to the woman's serious injury has been met with widespread condemnation and pressure on CBS to release the veteran college football caller.

Gary Danielson’s behavior here is absolutely disgusting. Whether that was a photojournalist, player, cheerleader, whatever laughing at the injury is unbelievably crass and unprofessional. @CBSSports needs to address this immediately. https://t.co/XUz8bnIhMU

— 𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦 (@kylegrantham) November 17, 2019

I always try to give somebody the benefit of the doubt but in this case I’m having a VERY hard time doing so as Gary Danielson outright laughs as she lay unconscious.

I know I am late to this but I’m just now getting a chance to sit down and see it. Gosh it makes me sick. https://t.co/TTORYtam0M

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) November 17, 2019

gary danielson has been trash for a very long time, and this incident really illustrates just how much trash he is. pic.twitter.com/oFU6nr8Rxk

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 16, 2019

Just hoped in the film room.

All-22 time.

Gary Danielson put on an absolute show on how to not react on national TV to a photographer laying unconscious on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/KQAeSIMiSZ

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) November 16, 2019

NOW HE'S ASKING IF SHE WAS PAYING ATTENTION.

This is embarrassing.

— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) November 16, 2019

Nothing like Gary Danielson laughing at an injury of a woman on the sidelines. My god.

— Mike Farrell (@mfarrellsports) November 16, 2019

Meanwhile, Georgia's 21-14 win has helped the Bulldogs clinch the South Eastern Conference Eastern Division title.

The Bulldogs sailed through three quarters with a 21-0 lead before Auburn rallied in the fourth quarter.

Georgia held on to become the first team to win three consecutive SEC East titles since Florida won five in a row from 1992-96.