The Wheel of Fortune contestant who was "tackled" by the show's host Pat Sajak has spoken out about the bizarre incident.
As previously reported, Sajak made the strange decision to grapple a contestant named Fred Jackson, who was revealed to be a drama teacher, a bar quiz host, and a professional wrestler. Fred explained that, while he participates in wrestling purely because he really enjoys it - it doesn't pay enough to be his full-time occupation.
The gameshow showcased Fred's victory on their YouTube channel and after winning the bonus round by revealing the hidden phrase "his mind is wandering," he took home a staggering $75,800.
It was at this point that - while Fred was taking in the news that he'd won the money - Sajak asked the two other contestants: "Do you want me to body slam him for you? I can do that," before pinning Fred down. He then runs toward Fred and begins grappling him. The game show host grabbed Fred's arm and put it behind his back while using his other arm to grab his face.
But despite some viewers taking to social media to poke fun at the moment, Fred has revealed that he really enjoyed his unique interaction with the host.
Since the viral incident, Fred has spoken out about what happened, telling TMZ: "I loved that moment [...] Seeing the criticizing that [Sajak] gets online is a little unfair. I was the one who was put in the hold and I was perfectly okay with it."
He added that he understood that it might not have been everyone's sense of humor, but believes that trolling that Sajak received - as well as calls for him to retire - were the result of viewers "taking it a little too seriously."
Many fans have mirrored Fred's sentiments, with one person commenting: "Can't believe how Wheel fans can be so sensitive, critical, and judgmental. Lighten up, folks. Enjoy the humor."
"He was only playing with the guy, he wasn't serious," another user added.
A further person chimed in with: "Awesome Teacher/contestant , as for Pat at the end, its old school stuff playing around with people. Y'all won't understand it. Go back to your weird reality and leave pat Alone."
"Why is everyone making a big deal about the end? He was just messing around," another comment read.
What did you think of the situation? Was it as deep as people were making it out to be, or was it just a bit of harmless fun? Let us know in the comments!
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