WATCH: US reporter hit by waves while covering hurricane
American broadcaster Al Roker is dominating the internet, thanks to his coverage of Hurricane Ida, which struck New Orleans just recently.
Donning a full-body wet suit on Sunday, the 67-year-old Meteorologist went live and was immediately smacked by waves from Lake Pontchartrain as Hurricane Ida bore down on the region.
The clip of Roker’s TV report went viral, with many questioning why his employer NBC even allowed him to go out on such a story, particularly given his age. Last year Roker underwent surgery to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
“Are we really still forcing Al Roker to stand in the middle of a lethal hurricane?? The man is a national treasure, how about we stop risking his life to have him tell us it’s too dangerous to be out there,” said one Twitter user.
“It’s 2021. I don’t need to see Al Roker risking his life and his crew’s lives to show me a hurricane. It can be reported on without standing outside in the middle of it,” commented another.
WATCH: Al Roker withstands powerful waves
Well, Al Roker clearly saw all those comments on social media and is clearly not happy with people suggesting he is too hold to be covering hurricanes.
“I volunteered to come out here. I’ve done it for 40 years. Our crews, we all make sure we are safe, and we’re not going to do something to put ourselves in harm’s way. As much as I love the weather and love NBC, I’m not going to risk my life for it,” he said.
“Secondly, ‘Well, he’s too old to be doing this’? Well, hey, screw you. OK? And try to keep up. Keep up, OK?” he joked. “These young punks. I’ll come after them. I will drop them like a bag of dirt.”
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