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NFL Club’s Radio DJ Fired from Job after Calling Woman Sports Reporter ‘Barbie’ on Air

Published 07/31/2023, 12:28 PM EDT

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If you are an NFL enthusiast, there’s some breaking news for you. In an unfortunate recent incident, sexist remarks toward a female reporter on the radio had shocked us all. Now, the radio company has taken a landmark decision which will make you feel better.

A regrettable incident and a strong repurcussion

As you might have heard, a sports radio host, Michael Sorce, known as Don Geronimo on air, recently made sexist remarks about WUSA9-TV reporter Sharla McBride while covering the Washington Commanders. Geronimo’s exact words were “Hey look, Barbie’s here. Hi, Barbie girl.” He further shouted on air and said, “I’m guessing she’s a cheerleader.”

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The incident took place during a live broadcast from the team’s training facility. Consequently, it attracted immediate scrutiny and disapproval from all corners. I think we can all agree that those comments were deeply disrespectful, and they have no place in any professional setting.

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Sharla McBride, a seasoned sports reporter with 17 years of experience, expressed her feelings of insult, embarrassment, and hurt due to the offensive comments. And we can definitely relate with her.

If you have ever heard derogatory or defamatory words about you, you must have felt hurt too. Objectifying and belittling women in the workplace tarnishes our image. Furthermore, it also undermines our credibility and contribution to the industry.

Thankfully, the matter has been addressed promptly by both the Washington Commanders and the radio station’s parent company, iHeartMedia. According to latest reports, Don Geronimo has been swiftly dismissed from his position. A police investigation is also currently going on.

Recognizing the harmful and disrespectful nature of objectifying women, we stand firm in our commitment to foster a workplace of respect and empathy. The Washington Commanders are actively engaging with iHeartRadio to address this situation directly. Emphasizing equal treatment for everyone, irrespective of gender, is an indispensable foundation for building a truly respectful and inclusive environment in any workplace.” – Richard Dyer, WUSA9 General Manager said in an official statement.

This firm response from NFL club has sent a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future.

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Fostering a culture of respect

Respect is the cornerstone of any workplace, including the sports media industry. Let’s remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of their gender. We need to create an environemnt where diverse voices are encouraged and celebrated rather than bullied. Hence, it is essential to call out such derogatory behavior and take the right action against the perpetrators.

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What are your thoughts on this incident? How do you think we can collectively create a more respectful environment in sports media? Share your valuable opinion below!

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Written by:

Kumar Rohan

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Kumar Rohan is a writer at EssentiallySports who covers Sports Viral Moments. He is a sports journalist with a knack for writing. His sports expertise comes in handy when he breaks down events skilfully, in his own style.
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Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay