ESPN announcer forced into apology after ‘horrible’ gaffe enraged NFL Draft viewers

ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage has been a rough watch at times.

The first round was so far behind the actual picks that Super Bowl champion Mitchell Schwartz took to social media to say it ruined his experience.

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ESPN host Mike Greenberg has also had a week to forget.

On Thursday, the broadcaster was oblivious to the fact that Miami Dolphins traded up with the San Francisco 49ers to select San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson.

Greenberg didn’t even notice when commissioner Roger Goodell announced the selection.

He followed that up with an inexcusable blunder on Friday after failing to conduct his research properly.

The Cleveland Browns drafted Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with the No. 39 overall pick.

“You remember his dad, David Boston, first-round pick out of Ohio State in 1999,” Greenberg said.

David starred as an NFL wide receiver with the Arizona Cardinals.

He is not related to Denzel.

Greenberg made an apology two hours after the blunder.

“The Cleveland Browns traded out of the spot (pick No. 74) just a moment ago,” he said. “I was waiting for them to come around again so that I could make an apology to Denzel Boston, who, earlier tonight, I misidentified as being the son of former NFL wide receiver David Boston.

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“It was a mistake in my research. It was a terrible one, and I apologize to them both.

“They are not related to each other. And so I apologize to both David and Denzel Boston, and congratulations to Denzel for being drafted in the second round tonight by the Cleveland Browns. It is my mistake, and I apologize for it.”

Despite visceral fan reaction describing the call as ‘horrible’ and ‘awful’, Greenberg deserves credit for owning up to his error and will hope to redeem himself on day three.

Denzel Boston offers Browns a legit threat

Boston is 6ft 4in and 212 lbs, but opted not to run at 40 in the Combine which may have hurt his stock.

“Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness.

“Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws.

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“Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.”

Boston has also been compared to Mike Evans and Michael Pittman Jr. and could make an impact as a red zone threat.

He also has his eyes on a career switch when he’s done in the league.

“I’d love to be an FBI agent. I’d love to go on missions, secret missions, where I can’t even talk about it,” the three-star recruit told 247 Sports after joining Washington.

All-Pro Charles Tillman joined the bureau when he retired but has since left.

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