Radio host fired after sexist comments regarding ESPN reporter Maria Taylor’s outfit
With the rise of social media, women who work in the world of sports seem to take daily hits from online trolls for simply existing and working in a field dominated by men. Facing the belittling and verbal harassment head on is just another task these women check off on their to-do lists with a mixture of grace and utter sadness.
During Maria Taylor’s first time covering an NFL game for ESPN from the sidelines of the New York Giants-Pittsburgh Steelers clash on Monday night, Taylor was targeted for her outfit by the host of a radio program in Chicago, USA Today reported.
Why do sports radio guys have such warped brains pic.twitter.com/pMi6t5f7EJ
— The Dishonorable Pek Jorkins, Esq. (@PekJorkins) September 15, 2020
Dan McNeil, a host on 670 The Score, tweeted criticism about Taylor’s sideline outfit she wore during the ESPN broadcast, asking if she was an NFL reporter or “a host” for an adult awards show, according to USA Today. His tweet has since been deleted.
On Tuesday, McNeil was fired, according to a statement from 670 The Score.
Here's the statement. pic.twitter.com/3vz5rjSEhu
— Julie DiCaro is writing a book (@JulieDiCaro) September 15, 2020
Before McNeil was fired, numerous people jumped to Taylor’s defense, including fellow media members like Taylor Rooks and Jemele Hill and athletes like Terrell Owens
Always ride with @MariaTaylor - I love you my sister. Keep being GREAT. These haters could never.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 15, 2020
Just another example of what women have to go through in this business. Huge accomplishment for Maria to be part of the MNF team tonight and here comes an asshole trying to undermine a big moment in her career. https://t.co/pDFAcgwhDh
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 15, 2020
Does Maria Taylor ever sleep? One minute she’s doing NBA countdown then she’s handling College Gameday interviews and before you know it she’s holding down the MNF sideline reporter position. Manages to do all of those jobs very well. Work ethic on 1,000.
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) September 15, 2020
100 % unacceptable! It’s time for men to stand up, respect and defend our women. 1st of all, put some respect on Maria Taylor’s name. 2nd of all, Maria Taylor is family... dude don’t want them problems... https://t.co/HaizcDrQc6
— Demario Davis #56 (@demario__davis) September 15, 2020
Wow! Y’all just feel like y’all can say whatever y’all want to under this president I see. Just speaking reckless. It was @RealSkipBayless about @dak now u about @MariaTaylor! If Skip was black, he would have been FIRED already. Relieved of his duties immediately! https://t.co/1OW2zcy7Qh
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) September 15, 2020
Exactly the reason why we’re focusing on building up black women this season. @MariaTaylor congratulations on such a big accomplishment! Keep leveling up https://t.co/qOEv7e72hk
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) September 15, 2020
Women in our business face a level of scrutiny and ridicule most will never understand. We are constantly attacked for our appearance, hair, clothing and voices. It’s PAINFUL. For Black women in media, it goes even farther. And it HAS to stop. Standing with you, @MariaTaylor. https://t.co/BmcolKs6zr
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 15, 2020
Taylor, who has been in the sports field almost her entire life – first as an athlete and then as a reporter, clapped back at McNeil. “Hey ladies remember you can wear whatever you feel confident in!”
Well Danny Dearest if you would like to continue making sexist comments about me...please bring your misogyny with you to the NBA Countdown double header I’ll be hosting tomorrow night. Hey ladies remember you can wear whatever you feel confident in! @670TheScore @DannyMac670 https://t.co/bN0H582isU
— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) September 15, 2020
Taylor has spoken in the past about how difficult it is when she’s sometimes the only woman in the room and how she’s grown to be more outspoken while taking chances.
“I remember when I used to go to coaches’ meetings and stuff like that and I would never say anything — I would just sit in a corner and sometimes coaches wouldn’t even shake my hand,” Taylor said, NBC News reported in 2019 . “They would go around and talk to everyone else — and of course it’s a room full of men — and I learned to think, ‘You know what, if they’re not gonna shake my hand, I’m just going to stand up and shake theirs.’”
Since then, Taylor hasn’t been afraid to speak her mind.
“I’ve learned to recognize that I’m in certain rooms for a reason,” she told NBC, “and I’ve learned — if I have an opinion or something I want to say — to say those things and not feel afraid about it.”