Sports definition – A high-octane environment filled with testosterone in the air and a legion of masculine energy looming around the stadium where there is no scope of any femininity and sensitivity, where free speech is greater than empathy.
This connotation might have been prevalent only during the Jurassic period, but the sexist dinosaurs seem to have revived in this modern era as well.
The recent firing of radio host Don Geronimo who worked at WBIG Radio, is a testament that sexism is no longer tolerated in the sports community. Women who worked hard to earn the coveted position in the sports media deserve equal respect among their peers.
The parent company iHeartMedia fired sports radio host Michael Sorce who goes by Don Geronimo, on July 29, 2023, after he passed unwarranted remarks against a fellow sports reporter Sharla McBride.
When Don spotted Sharla at the Washington Commanders Training Camp, he shouted, “Hi, Barbie girl.”
Then he proceeded to constantly pass more disrespectful remarks during a live broadcast in a conversation with co-host Crash Young.
This did not bode for the “old-school” radio host, as he was debarred from the training camp and later fired from his radio show.
Here is the complete account of what went down at the training camp.
What Did Don Geronimo Say About Sharla McBride?
Sports reporters from major channels and media assembled at the Ashburn, Virginia, on Friday, July 28, 2023, for the football team Washington Commanders’ training match.
Sharla McBride, who represented WUSA9, was covering the live event.
Don Geronimo and Crash Young, associated with iHeartMedia, were engaging in a conversation during the live broadcast of the training camp.
Out of nowhere, Don yelled, “Hi Barbie girl,” as Sharla passed by. He then continued to chat with his co-host, where he commented, “I thought she was a cheerleader.” The 64-year-old sports radio personality didn’t just stop here; later in the broadcast, he was heard saying, “Oh, hey, there’s that chick that you thought said tight.”
He kept digging his own grave at this point.
Unraveling the Barbie Controversy That Fired Don Geronimo
The Barbie remark itself is an insult to the sanctity of journalism. He not just diminished the value of this profession but also displayed prejudice against female sports reporters.
When the Commanders’ team heard about the incident, they immediately banned iHeartMedia from broadcasting further. But later, they allowed the media after the removal of Don Geronimo. Crash Young was temporarily suspended from broadcasting activities.
McBride expressed her disdain, telling ESPN in a statement–
“When I heard the comments made about me on the radio show, I felt incredibly insulted and embarrassed.”
“In my 17 years as a professional journalist, I have never been disrespected in such a blatant manner while trying to do my job. Their words were sexist and misogynistic. No woman should experience this in the workplace, and I appreciate the Commanders swift response in handling this matter.”
Aaron Hyland, iHeartMedia’s D.C. Region President, issued a formal statement–
“After an internal review, Don Geronimo is no longer an employee of WBIG. We take matters of this nature very seriously, and this behavior does not align with our core values.”
After the entire fiasco, Don Geronimo posted his response on Twitter–
But netizens dug out some more of Don’s past behavior, displaying a toxic pattern.
What is your take on this incident? Do you think firing him was the right action, or is it too woke? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.
