In the social atmosphere of 2022, it is very easy to make remarks that will offend some section of the audience. In an age where people are breaking stereotypes, and socially correct norms are being emphasized on, people can get in hot water for one wrong move. Especially celebrities, given their fame, and the fact that people are scrutinizing their every move. The latest one to feel the heat is former NFL player and ESPN commentator Troy Aikman.
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Monday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders was one to remember for the ages. With Davante Adams throwing his helmet and pushing a cameraman after the game, the game had a lion’s share of eye-catching moments. One such moment was a ‘roughing the passer’ call made against the Chiefs.
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It was Chris Jones’ sacking of Derek Carr that drew the foul. What looked like a clean tackle to everyone watching, the referees deemed it a foul. Some opined that the call was an attempt by the NFL to avoid more injuries, like those sustained by Tua Tagovailoa recently. Some just think the NFL is trying to protect quarterbacks because of their immense value to teams and to the league, case in point, Tom Brady.
Whatever the reason may be, the call angered a lot of people. Including Aikman. But no matter the circumstances, some people feel that his choice of words on the occasion cannot be justified.
“My hope is that the competition committee looks at this in the next set of meetings and, you know, we take the dresses off.”
Troy Aikman receives support from an unlikely source, amidst heavy criticism
Fans of the game, and just social activists in general, rained hell on Aikman. Everywhere on social media and otherwise, people criticized Aikman for his ‘sexist’ remarks. But amidst the sea of criticism, there was one person of note who did not feel offended at Aikman’s words. Interestingly enough, it’s a woman.
Meghan Ottolini is a commentator on the radio show ‘Merloni, Fauria and Mego’. And when asked by one of her co-commentators if Aikman’s remarks offend her, or if Aikman should apologize, she replied, “Hell no to both! I’m not offended at all. Honestly, who cares?”
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“I don’t care. If you’re offended by that, it’s like when somebody asks me if you can say like, ‘Let’s go guys’ to your team of girls’ soccer players. It’s like, yeah, honestly, why are you wasting your time on this? If this infuriates you, I’m jealous that you have so much energy to dedicate to being mad at Troy Aikman. It’s like, why are you watching this, anyway?”
Mego seems to think that outrage should be saved for more important things in life. And that simple comment, like the one from Aikman, does not warrant such outrage. Later on, in the show, she says, “If you want to get mad about like legal rights or whatever, we can go down that road. If you want to tell guys on the field to take their dresses off, like, I don’t even give it a second of thought.” Fans may not accept Mego’s opinion, and may even start calling her out for it. But at least her co-commentators seem to agree with her words.
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Today’s world revolves around ‘cancel culture,’ and it will be interesting to see what kind of backlash Aikman will face for his words. Will the fans force him to render an apology?
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