A Chicago radio host has been fired for lewd comments about sports reporter Maria Taylor following Monday Night Football.
In a tweet that has since been deleted, 670 The Score host Dan McNeil compared Taylor’s attire to that of a host for an adult film award show, HuffPost reports.
“NFL sideline reporter or a host for the AVN annual awards presentation?” McNeil tweeted.
Chicago radio host Dan McNeil (Chicago’s 670 The Score) suggests NFL Sideline Reporter Maria Taylor’s outfit is appropriate for adult film awards show.
“NFL sideline reporter or a host for the AVN annual awards presentation?” Dan McNeil tweeted. pic.twitter.com/3XaUEIYchb
— Writing and Multimedia Services (@FourteMedia) September 15, 2020
Taylor, making her debut during the sports broadcast, responded to McNeil’s sexist comments with a classy clapback.
“Well Danny Dearest,” she began. “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!”
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
Entercom Chicago announced on Tuesday that he’s since been fired from his position at the company.
“For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility in how we chose to use our voices,” Entercom’s Regional President Rachel Williamson wrote in a statement. “Last night’s tweet, and it’s degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable."
Here's the statement. pic.twitter.com/3vz5rjSEhu
— Julie DiCaro is writing a book (@JulieDiCaro) September 15, 2020
Since the tweet was shared, a number of Taylor’s peers in the media industry have expressed their support of her on social media.
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
Sports reporter Taylor Rooks tweeted at Taylor, encouraging her to continue showing up and showing out.
“These haters could never,” she wrote.
Always ride with @MariaTaylor – I love you my sister. Keep being GREAT. These haters could never.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 15, 2020
On the set of ESPN's NBA Countdown Tuesday, basketball analysts Jay Williams and Jalen Rose backed up their co-host with a bouquet of flowers and a warning to those that try to demean her.
"Congratulations Maria Taylor,” Rose began. “Thank you for your intellect, your beauty and your class through all situations in covering your first Monday Night Football game and cover your first NBA Finals this year. We love you.”
“Don’t come for the Queen” — @MariaTaylor
“You know who we’re talking about” — @RealJayWilliams
pic.twitter.com/Egnjsbf9SN— Playoff Parakeet A. Cortes (@Ryan_Cortes) September 15, 2020
Williams, a former Duke point guard, issued a warning to Taylor’s haters, telling them to stay in their place.
