Ben Johnson Defends Halftime Exchange After Comeback Win

During a halftime sideline interview in the Chicago Bears' game against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Ben Johnson interrupted CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala after she prefaced a question by saying the offense had struggled, later snapping 'I don't know, you think so?' and holding a pointed stare viewers called menacing. The exchange prompted brisk public debate, with critics calling his behavior inappropriate and supporters saying Kinkhabwala's tone was condescending. Johnson later said he was 'in game mode,' didn't hear well, and was 'a little bit disappointed' in how it looked, adding he will 'do a better job' going forward. Commentators noted the incident was notable because in-game interviews are typically perfunctory and have highlighted Johnson's evolving public persona beyond play-calling. Regardless, the Bears rallied in the second half to beat the Raiders 25-24.