Both of these replies should be forwarded to the Today show producers requesting a retraction and correction on their next airing. Clearly they messed up by not doing their proper research and the public deserves to know the truth.
Saba also has culpability in this scenario. It was her responsibility to say something to the effect of: "Wait! This isn't a rock python!" There are plenty of errors to go around; someone ought to say something; maybe a segment solely about the Python regius....
~~McKinsey~~
"Men have forgotten this truth," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."
~The Little Prince; Antoine de Saint Exupery