“Jeopardy!”’s reigning champion took a loss, and some say the host is the reason.
Medical student Alex Gordon was the game show’s defending champion and was even missing his graduation ceremony to be at the episode’s taping. He took home $43,500 over his three-episode run.
Gordon told “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings during the episode’s Q&A portion he was planning to start a residency in ear, nose, and throat specialty. Gordon said he was really excited about it.
“Definitely fact-check all that stuff for us, we’re coming to you for a second opinion,” Jennings told Gordon.
A medical set of questions did appear in the episode under the title “Stitch Incoming.” Gordon answered one category question correctly and got a Daily Double next.
Gordon had $15,000 in winnings at the time.
He deicede to wager $12,000.
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“Wow. Okay,” Jennings said. “We know you graduated. Let’s see if it pays off.”
“Joba Chamberlain used the scar from elbow surgery named for this pitcher as part of a smiley face tattoo,” Jennings read to Gordon. He did not know the answer and said “DiMaggio.” The correct answer was “Tommy John.”
Gordon’s incorrect guess took him down to third place.
Some took to social media not believing a graduated med student didn’t know about Tommy John surgery. Others felt like Jennings was pushing Gordon with his frequent talk of the med student status.
“Jennings asked how confident are you in your medical knowledge? Challenging contestants should not be your job. I feel like you cost him the game!” one of many wrote on Twitter.
Others said Jennings was “goading” Gordon throughout the episode.
To check out the next champion, “Jeopardy!” airs weeknights.
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