This is new, and it’s sad. No one should have to take abuse at work, especially when your job has nothing to do with the job of the person abusing you and you’re compensated far less than they are.
This is textbook punching down.
The fact players are now comfortable doing it is partially the result of an environment fostered and created by 24 hours sports news networks like ESPN. Consider the face of ESPN.
Stephen A Smith.
The notorious Cowboys hater who admits he doesn’t actually hate the Cowboys. He hates the fans. His entire persona is built on punching down on people with a fraction of his income and reach. And how does the Cowboys Owner handle this? By being all nicey nice.
When someone posts SAS, I ignore it. I don’t give him clicks because he’s not a good person. ESPN profits off Cowboys hate—and that’s fine until it crosses the line into punching down.
Events like publicly demeaning cheerleaders are only going to get worse. And I’m kinda done with it.