**Title:** Laura Rutledge Defends Husband Josh with Creative Tactics
**Meta Description:** ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge took a unique approach to defend her husband, MLB player Josh Rutledge, from online criticism during his career.
**URL Slug:** laura-rutledge-defends-josh-criticism
**Headline:** Laura Rutledge’s Unique Defense of Husband Josh Amid MLB Criticism
In a surprising revelation, ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge shared how she defended her husband, former MLB player Josh Rutledge, from online criticism during his baseball career. Instead of confronting the naysayers directly, Laura opted for a more discreet method by creating a fake social media profile.
The negative comments directed at Josh likely emerged during his time in Major League Baseball from 2012 to 2017, when he played for teams like the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox, and briefly with the San Francisco Giants in 2018. During an appearance on the “Marchand Sports Media” podcast, Laura admitted to her unconventional approach, stating, “When he was with the Angels, I made a fake Twitter — I’m admitting this, OK? I know this was wrong. I’m not doing it ever since.”
Under the pseudonym “BillyHalo76,” Laura tweeted exclusively positive remarks about Josh, occasionally mentioning star player Mike Trout to maintain credibility. She explained, “If anyone had said something negative about him, I would find them, and then BillyHalo would be like, ‘You’re wrong,’ and back it up with stats.” Laura humorously noted that Josh might be upset if he learned about her secretive defense strategy.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of public criticism, Laura recounted a particularly challenging moment when Josh was booed during a game while playing third base for the Red Sox, a position he had not played since middle school. “I really struggled with it,” she said, recalling the frustration of hearing fans boo her husband after he made errors. “I’m like, ‘Shut up!’”
As Laura continues her career at ESPN, she is set to return to “Monday Night Football” broadcasts this season, alongside hosting studio shows focused on the NFL and college football. The upcoming season will kick off with the Chicago Bears hosting the Minnesota Vikings on September 8, 2025, while the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will face the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener.
In conclusion, Laura Rutledge’s creative defense of her husband highlights the challenges faced by athletes and their families in the public eye. Her story serves as a reminder of the emotional impact of criticism and the lengths loved ones will go to support each other.
**FAQ:**
**Q: How did Laura Rutledge defend her husband from criticism?**
A: Laura Rutledge created a fake Twitter account to post positive comments about her husband, Josh Rutledge, and counter negative remarks with statistics.