NBC anchor A.J. Clemente sums up his first day on the job with his first words on air: 'F---ing sh-t' (2024)

Rookie news anchor AJ Clemente left a lasting impression on NBC's viewers in North Dakota Sunday night, when his first words on air at his new job were "f---ing sh-t."

Author of the article:

Josh Visser

Published Apr 22, 20132 minute read

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NBC anchor A.J. Clemente sums up his first day on the job with his first words on air: 'F---ing sh-t' (1)

Talk about making an introduction.

Rookie news anchor A.J. Clemente left a lasting impression on NBC’s viewers in North Dakota Sunday night, when his first words on air at his new job were “f—ing sh-t.”

The admittedly nervous Clemente was just being introduced by the television announcer when viewers heard the easily audible phrase, which he said oblivious to the fact his microphone was on.

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NBC anchor A.J. Clemente sums up his first day on the job with his first words on air: 'F---ing sh-t' (2)

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Co-anchor Van Tieu attempted to carry on professionally, telling viewers: “You may have seen our newest reporter A.J on Envy and CE North Dakota News. He will be joining North Dakota news as my co-anchor. Tell us a little about yourself A.J.”

Clemente, no doubt realizing that he just went “Boom goes the Dynamite” on his career, valiantly attempts to compose himself.

“Um thanks Van, I’m very excited — I graduated from West Virginia University and I’m used to, um, being, you know, from the in, East Coast,” he stammers out heroically.

Tieu would later issue an apology for the network on the 10 p.m. news.

“We were caught off guard and [Clemente] didn’t realize his microphone was on. And while that was no excuse – we do train our reporters to always assume that any microphone is live at any time – unfortunately we cannot take back what was said,” she said.

The NBC affiliate, KFYR-TV, would later issue a Facebook post saying Clemente has been suspended until “we resolve the situation,” which presumably does not involve a time machine or shutting down YouTube.

Resolution came in the form of a firing, instead.

Unfortunately KFYRTV has decided to let me go. Thank you to them and everyone in ND for the opportunity and everyone for the support.

— A.J. Clemente (@ClementeAJ) April 22, 2013

NBC anchor A.J. Clemente sums up his first day on the job with his first words on air: 'F---ing sh-t' (3)

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Clemente’s Twitter feed captured the emotions of the day, from those first innocent butterflies to the dark seeds of despair.

Alright News Director and GM checking out my tape that we shot yesterday. Seeing if i am ready for anchoring.....Awkward Turtle.......

— A.J. Clemente (@ClementeAJ) April 21, 2013

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That couldn't have gone any worse!

— A.J. Clemente (@ClementeAJ) April 21, 2013

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In one small positive note for Clemente, he was able to clarify that while he has a potty mouth, at least he didn’t not say something hom*ophobic.

Just before his double cussing, you can hear him say “gay” — which was him attempting to pronounce the London Marathon winner’s name — Tsegaye Kebede.

I just want to say that I did not say the word gay, I was trying to pronounce the London Marathon winners name Tsegaye Kebede.

— A.J. Clemente (@ClementeAJ) April 22, 2013

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North Dakota viewers will now forever be left wondering what might have been if only the more pronounceable Emmanuel Mutai had managed to hang on to victory in London.

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NBC anchor A.J. Clemente sums up his first day on the job with his first words on air: 'F---ing sh-t' (2024)

FAQs

What did AJ Clemente say? ›

Van Tieu was moments away from the start of an evening bulletin for KFYR in Bismarck, North Dakota in 2013 when her new co-host, AJ Clemente, dropped expletives live on air. “F---ing s---,” Clemente can be heard saying under his breath as he fails to notice his microphone had been switched on.

Who was the disgraced news anchor on NBC? ›

As the #MeToo movement continued across the film and TV industries, allegations against long-time anchor Matt Lauer left the world shocked. Lauer was the much-loved TV host of NBC's Today show, charming his audiences with his trustworthy persona.

Why was Clemente frustrated? ›

However, Clemente became increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of aid distribution and worried that the supplies were not reaching those who needed them most. He felt that he needed to take matters into his own hands to ensure that the aid was distributed properly.

What is Roberto Clemente most famous quote? ›

Roberto Clemente, a renowned Puerto Rican professional baseball player, once uttered the profound words, "I don't play baseball just for the money. I play for the love of the game and to inspire others." These sentiments encapsulate the essence of his character and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Why did some sports reporters call Clemente Bob? ›

In an effort to make him seem more American, sportswriters started calling him "Bob" or "Bobby". His baseball cards even listed him as "Bob Clemente", a practice that persisted through to 1969. He disliked the practice, which he felt was disrespectful to his Puerto Rican and Latino heritage.

What did Roberto Clemente go through? ›

Clemente was frequently hurt and sometimes required surgery. He suffered damaged discs, bone chips, pulled muscles, a strained instep, a thigh hematoma, tonsillitis, malaria, stomach problems, and insomnia. Even so, between 1955 and 1972 he played more games than anyone in Pirates history.

How old was Roberto Clemente when he died in a plane crash? ›

Clemente was just 38 when he died on Dec. 31, 1972, after the plane he was traveling on crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico. He was on a humanitarian mission to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Why are they honoring Roberto Clemente? ›

He is remembered for his elegance and power on the field, but also for his humanitarian work, which led the MLB to establish the Roberto Clemente Award in 2002, which honors players who carry out great humanitarian efforts, along with sportsmanship and kindness.

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