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Dallas County Sheriff's Office Weekly Report Highlights Busy Start and Successful Recoveries

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl has released the weekly report detailing the department’s recent activity, noting a busy start to the week that concluded on a more positive note. The week began with a serious two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 79 and Highway 8. The Dallas County Sheriff’s […]

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Dallas County Sheriff's Office Weekly Report Highlights Busy Start and Successful Recoveries

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl has released the weekly report detailing the department’s recent activity, noting a busy start to the week that concluded on a more positive note.

The week began with a serious two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 79 and Highway 8. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Arkansas State Police after a northbound vehicle reportedly ran a red light and collided with a tractor-trailer at a high rate of speed. Remarkably, the young woman driving the car sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering in the hospital.

Adding a heartwarming element to the incident, her dog Rudy, who had fled the scene during the crash, was found and safely returned thanks to caring residents along Highway 229. Sheriff Knoedl extended his gratitude to the community for helping reunite the dog with its owner.

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On Tuesday, what began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated on Highway 167 near Farindale. Sergeant Jordan Ables stopped a vehicle clocked at 87 mph. The driver became noncompliant, rolled up his window, locked his doors, and refused commands to exit the vehicle. Sergeant Ables was forced to break the driver’s window to safely extract the suspect with assistance from Trooper JR Reed.

The suspect was later found to be under the influence and disoriented, mistakenly believing he was in Missouri. He was arrested and charged with DWI. Sheriff Knoedl used the incident as a reminder of the department’s responsibility to patrol both state and federal highways for public safety.

Looking ahead, Sheriff Knoedl warned the public about increased law enforcement presence during the upcoming DWI Mobilization period, July 2–6. Officers will be patrolling Arkansas roads and waterways, urging residents to enjoy the holidays responsibly without operating vehicles or boats under the influence.

Deputy Dusty Walton successfully completed a Defensive Driving Instructor Course offered by the Arkansas State Police. He will now begin training others in safe pursuit driving, enhancing the department’s readiness and capabilities.

Sheriff Knoedl announced that the department has received a $12,500 state grant for much-needed equipment. He praised the grant program for saving the county thousands of dollars annually.

The following individuals were booked as part of the Sheriff’s “Felony Friday” round-up:

  • Kirt Allen Puckett (Carthage): Parole Violation; Driving on a Suspended License; No Insurance

  • Albert Lee Hunter (Nashville): Possession of Meth/Cocaine; Drug Paraphernalia; Parole Violation

  • Makel Brown (Fordyce): Fleeing; Resisting Arrest

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  • Triston Clemons (Camden): Breaking or Entering; Fleeing; Resisting Arrest

  • Christopher Monte Johnson (Fordyce): Failure to Appear; Aggravated Assault; Domestic Battering

  • Denise Nazaria Christopher (El Dorado): Contempt of Court – Failure to Pay

  • Cobie Michelle Stanfield (Fordyce): Failure to Appear

  • Claude Cheshier: Driving While Intoxicated

  • Henry Lee Brazil: Parole Violation

  • Jeremy Jason Kluesner (Houston): DWI; Refusal to Test; Speeding; Resisting Arrest; Drug Possession; Obstructing Governmental Operations

  • Josefat Alejandro Avila-Sanchez (Mexico): No Driver’s License

Sheriff Knoedl closed his report by thanking his deputies and local partners for their continued dedication and reminded residents to stay vigilant and safe during the summer holiday period.

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High School Sports

7.19.25 Highlights

WHEELING, WV- West Virginia scored an 84 yard touchdown as time expired and then converted the two point conversion to stun Ohio 15-14 in the 79th Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Game inside Wheeling Island Stadium. Ohio appeared on its way to victory after Steubenville’s Aiden Davis connected with Monroe Central’s Chance Allen with 17 […]

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7.19.25 Highlights

WHEELING, WV-

West Virginia scored an 84 yard touchdown as time expired and then converted the two point conversion to stun Ohio 15-14 in the 79th Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Game inside Wheeling Island Stadium.

Ohio appeared on its way to victory after Steubenville’s Aiden Davis connected with Monroe Central’s Chance Allen with 17 seconds remaining for a 14-7 lead.

However, with three seconds left and down to their final play, West Virginia’s Lucas McAllister’s (Weir High) connect with his high school teammate Damir Mowder on an 84 yard touchdown to pull within 14-13 as time expired.

Overtime was an option for the first time in the series history after last year’s 13-13 tie, but West Virginia head coach Tim Brown elected to go for two points and the win. McAllister again connected with Mowder on the slant for the 15-14 victory.

McAllister was voted the game’s MVP. He also rushed for a touchdown which tied the game up in the fourth quarter.

Ohio led 7-0 at the half thanks to a Davis touchdown pass to Union Local’s Dre Saunders.

John Marshall’s Kendra Callahan was the winner of the OVAC Queen of Queens at halftime.

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High School Sports

Kiss cam incident at Coldplay concert highlights the technology's awkward history

The Internet has gone into spasm over the past couple of days over an incident on Wednesday involving a couple caught cuddling on the Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert at Gillette stadium in Foxborough near Boston. Instead of leaning into their embrace when they realized they were on camera, the man and woman abruptly pulled […]

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Kiss cam incident at Coldplay concert highlights the technology's awkward history

The Internet has gone into spasm over the past couple of days over an incident on Wednesday involving a couple caught cuddling on the Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert at Gillette stadium in Foxborough near Boston. Instead of leaning into their embrace when they realized they were on camera, the man and woman abruptly pulled apart. She turned her back on the camera. He ducked. The couple’s embarrassment was compounded by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s comment from the stage: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.”

The kiss cam clip went viral on social media, gaining millions of hits on X, TikTok, and Instagram. Sleuths soon identified the couple: He’s Andy Byron, the married CEO of New York-based software development company Astronomer; she’s Kristin Cabot, the company’s head of human resources.

Astronomer announced Friday it had put Byron on leave, replacing him with chief product officer Peter DeJoy. “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” said the company in a statement on X, adding that its board of directors has initiated a formal investigation into the matter.

On Saturday, Byron resigned, according to a statement from Astronomer.

Meanwhile, the Internet became awash with responses, including fake statements from Byron and Coldplay, as well as countless memes such as one likening the couple to Muppets Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy.

There have been IRL responses too. The Philadelphia Phillies made fun of the faux pas by screening a video during Friday night’s game on its Jumbotron of its fuzzy green mascot Phillie Phanatic in an embrace with a fuzzy green companion. People can even buy commemorative merch, such as a sweatshirt bearing the slogan – in caps – “I TOOK MY SIDEPIECE TO THE COLDPLAY CONCERT AND IT RUINED MY LIFE.”

Kiss cams: a mostly awkward history

The origins of Kiss cams are unclear. They likely originated in the 1980s with the advent of big video boards being installed at stadiums in California as a way to fill in the gaps in play in professional baseball games. They often elicit delight, such as when former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn shared a romantic moment before the cheering crowd at an Atlanta Braves game in 2015.

But it’s also true to say the wandering camera has also been the cause of scandal.

A major source of kiss cam controversy has been over the tendency of cams to focus on straight couples, as well as to demean or attack same-sex embraces.

In 2010, for example, the kiss cam at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, the former home of the St. Louis Rams, showed a kiss between two men wearing Arizona Cardinals jerseys, in an apparent homophobic jibe against the rival team.

And in 2015, the New York Mets changed their kiss cam policy after being criticized for promoting homophobia by rallying the crowd to make fun of two men appearing on the cam together.

More often though, kiss cam footage isn’t so much scandalous as awkward.

Take the time in 2012, when former president Barack Obama initially failed to respond to the cam while attending a men’s USA National Team vs. Brazil basketball game with his wife Michelle.

“As the crowd urged the couple to kiss, the president held his arm around the first lady and smiled, but didn’t kiss, prompting a wave of boos from the crowd,” reported CNN. “But fans didn’t leave entirely disappointed. Not long after the couple shied away from a PDA, reporters were brought back into the arena to watch as Obama and his wife re-appeared on the kiss cam, this time with the president going in for the smooch.”

Some celebrity couples prefer to avoid kiss cams altogether. Prince William shared this view with the BBC in 2012 while attending the Olympics in London with his wife Kate Middleton. “I was absolutely dreading they were going to come and show myself and my wife,” he said. “That would have been very embarrassing.”

Copyright 2025 NPR

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Highlights

© 2004-2025 CBS Interactive. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and CBS Sports makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome […]

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© 2004-2025 CBS Interactive. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.

The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and CBS Sports makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event. There is no gambling offered on this site. This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site.

Images by Getty Images and Imagn

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High School Sports

South Shore football players shine at Northeast 7v7 tournament

BB&N’s Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger Plymouth South’s Shane McDonald makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger […]

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South Shore football players shine at Northeast 7v7 tournament

BB&N's Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

BB&N’s Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Plymouth South's Shane McDonald makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Plymouth South’s Shane McDonald makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

BB&N's Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

BB&N’s Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

BB&N's Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

BB&N’s Ellis Barnes makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Hingham's Chase Beighley makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Hingham’s Chase Beighley makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Brockton's Jarred Mighty catches a TD pass during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Brockton’s Jarred Mighty catches a TD pass during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Brockton's Jarred Mighty catches a TD pass during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Brockton’s Jarred Mighty catches a TD pass during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Brockton's Jarred Mighty celebrates a TD catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Brockton’s Jarred Mighty celebrates a TD catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Milton's Roman Sammon makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Milton’s Roman Sammon makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Marshfield's Chase Doherty makes a contested catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Marshfield’s Chase Doherty makes a contested catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Marshfield's Nate Rollinson throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Marshfield’s Nate Rollinson throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

North Quincy's Ryan Sampson throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

North Quincy’s Ryan Sampson throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

North Quincy's Gavin Brown makes a touchdown catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

North Quincy’s Gavin Brown makes a touchdown catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Former North Quincy QB Mikey Galligan waves to the camera during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Former North Quincy QB Mikey Galligan waves to the camera during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Silver Lake's Nathan Motto makes an interception during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Silver Lake’s Nathan Motto makes an interception during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Silver Lake's Sean Barry throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Silver Lake’s Sean Barry throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

A Scituate receiver catches a pass while defended by Silver Lake's Nathan Motto during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

A Scituate receiver catches a pass while defended by Silver Lake’s Nathan Motto during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Duxbury's Brady Rhinesmith throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Duxbury’s Brady Rhinesmith throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Duxbury's Jack Carney attempts to make a touchdown catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Duxbury’s Jack Carney attempts to make a touchdown catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Duxbury's Jack Carney attempts to make a touchdown catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Duxbury’s Jack Carney attempts to make a touchdown catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Braintree's Nick Saunders carries the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Braintree’s Nick Saunders carries the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

From left, Braintree's Nick Saunders, Gavin Farragher, Shane Griffiths, Ryan Smith, Issac Graindoit and Jaden Corn during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

From left, Braintree’s Nick Saunders, Gavin Farragher, Shane Griffiths, Ryan Smith, Issac Graindoit and Jaden Corn during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Scituate's Grayson Foley carries the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Scituate’s Grayson Foley carries the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

North Quincy's John Knagou makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

North Quincy’s John Knagou makes a catch during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Plymouth South's Tim Durocher and Shane McDonald during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Plymouth South’s Tim Durocher and Shane McDonald during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Plymouth South's Kyle Nguyen smiles during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Plymouth South’s Kyle Nguyen smiles during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Plymouth South's Ben Frechette carries the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Plymouth South’s Ben Frechette carries the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Plymouth South's Tim Durocher throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Plymouth South’s Tim Durocher throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Hingham's Jake Varholak throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Hingham’s Jake Varholak throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Plymouth South's Robbie Anzalone during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Plymouth South’s Robbie Anzalone during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Weymouth players shake hands after a victory vs. Dexter South during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Weymouth players shake hands after a victory vs. Dexter South during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

Scituate's Jonny Donovan throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Scituate’s Jonny Donovan throws the ball during the Northeast 7v7 football tournament at Milton High School on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Jason Snow / The Patriot Ledger

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Cody Williams Saves Best For Last To Close Summer League

SALT LAKE CITY – Cody Williams continued his strong showing at Summer League despite the Utah Jazz falling to the Chicago Bulls 105-92. Williams scored a team-high 26 points to go with five rebounds in the Jazz’s final summer league appearance. Related: Egor Demin Has Been On Fire At Summer League Cody Williams Closes Summer […]

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Cody Williams Saves Best For Last To Close Summer League

SALT LAKE CITY – Cody Williams continued his strong showing at Summer League despite the Utah Jazz falling to the Chicago Bulls 105-92.

Williams scored a team-high 26 points to go with five rebounds in the Jazz’s final summer league appearance.

Related: Egor Demin Has Been On Fire At Summer League

Cody Williams Closes Summer On High Note

After a difficult rookie season with the Jazz, Williams looked significantly improved during Summer League, with each performance looking better than the last.

Against the Bulls, the Colorado product blended his best shooting night with improved decision making, well-timed drives to the basket, and strong passing, despite teammates failing to convert assist opportunities.

Second-year draft picks should look like the best players on the floor, and Williams lived up to the hype.

In addition to his 9-17 shooting performance, including 5-10 from three, the sophomore wing added three assists and two steals, further showcasing his well-rounded skill set.

With a deep roster of young players, Williams won’t be guaranteed any specific role during the 2025-26 season, but with a bad showing this summer, his future with the team may have been in doubt.

But after displaying flashes of truly high-level play, Williams is a player the Jazz should feel confident investing more time in.

John Tonje Struggles In Second Appearance

Second-round draft pick John Tonje appeared in only two games during the Summer League and showed two wildly different sides to his game.

In Monday’s performance against the San Antonio Spurs, Tonje scored 16 points on 5-9 shooting, including 4-7 from downtown.

Against the Bulls, Tonje struggled to find the bottom of the net, shooting just 1-9 from the floor, including 0-6 from three.

The Wisconsin product did record six rebounds and two assists, but turned the ball over six times in 22 minutes.

After getting his first shot blocked, Tonje shied away from attacking the paint, and with his three-point shot not falling, he offered little on the offensive end.

The wing will have to commit to getting downhill, trusting his ability to get to the free-throw line, but needs to improve his ball security in the process.

With reports that Oscar Tshiebwe may be heading overseas, Tonje would seem like the most likely candidate to earn the Jazz’s third and final two-way contract.

If that’s the case, expect the 24-year-old to earn significant time in the G League next season as he hones his game.

Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky

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Kiss cam incident at Coldplay concert highlights the technology's awkward history

The Internet has gone into spasm over the past couple of days over an incident on Wednesday involving a couple caught cuddling on the Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert at Gillette stadium in Foxborough near Boston. Instead of leaning into their embrace when they realized they were on camera, the man and woman abruptly pulled […]

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Kiss cam incident at Coldplay concert highlights the technology's awkward history

The Internet has gone into spasm over the past couple of days over an incident on Wednesday involving a couple caught cuddling on the Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert at Gillette stadium in Foxborough near Boston. Instead of leaning into their embrace when they realized they were on camera, the man and woman abruptly pulled apart. She turned her back on the camera. He ducked. The couple’s embarrassment was compounded by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s comment from the stage: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.”

The kiss cam clip went viral on social media, gaining millions of hits on X, TikTok, and Instagram. Sleuths soon identified the couple: He’s Andy Byron, the married CEO of New York-based software development company Astronomer; she’s Kristin Cabot, the company’s head of human resources.

Astronomer announced Friday it had put Byron on leave, replacing him with chief product officer Peter DeJoy. “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” said the company in a statement on X, adding that its board of directors has initiated a formal investigation into the matter.

On Saturday, Byron resigned, according to a statement from Astronomer.

Meanwhile, the Internet became awash with responses, including fake statements from Byron and Coldplay, as well as countless memes such as one likening the couple to Muppets Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy.

There have been IRL responses too. The Philadelphia Phillies made fun of the faux pas by screening a video during Friday night’s game on its Jumbotron of its fuzzy green mascot Phillie Phanatic in an embrace with a fuzzy green companion. People can even buy commemorative merch, such as a sweatshirt bearing the slogan – in caps – “I TOOK MY SIDEPIECE TO THE COLDPLAY CONCERT AND IT RUINED MY LIFE.”

Kiss cams: a mostly awkward history

The origins of Kiss cams are unclear. They likely originated in the 1980s with the advent of big video boards being installed at stadiums in California as a way to fill in the gaps in play in professional baseball games. They often elicit delight, such as when former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn shared a romantic moment before the cheering crowd at an Atlanta Braves game in 2015.

But it’s also true to say the wandering camera has also been the cause of scandal.

A major source of kiss cam controversy has been over the tendency of cams to focus on straight couples, as well as to demean or attack same-sex embraces.

In 2010, for example, the kiss cam at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, the former home of the St. Louis Rams, showed a kiss between two men wearing Arizona Cardinals jerseys, in an apparent homophobic jibe against the rival team.

And in 2015, the New York Mets changed their kiss cam policy after being criticized for promoting homophobia by rallying the crowd to make fun of two men appearing on the cam together.

More often though, kiss cam footage isn’t so much scandalous as awkward.

Take the time in 2012, when former president Barack Obama initially failed to respond to the cam while attending a men’s USA National Team vs. Brazil basketball game with his wife Michelle.

“As the crowd urged the couple to kiss, the president held his arm around the first lady and smiled, but didn’t kiss, prompting a wave of boos from the crowd,” reported CNN. “But fans didn’t leave entirely disappointed. Not long after the couple shied away from a PDA, reporters were brought back into the arena to watch as Obama and his wife re-appeared on the kiss cam, this time with the president going in for the smooch.”

Some celebrity couples prefer to avoid kiss cams altogether. Prince William shared this view with the BBC in 2012 while attending the Olympics in London with his wife Kate Middleton. “I was absolutely dreading they were going to come and show myself and my wife,” he said. “That would have been very embarrassing.”

Copyright 2025 NPR

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