Take the high road. That is what remains for female NFL reporters today. As if the Dianna Russini situation were not enough, another respected NFL reporter has become the target of a sexist, misogynistic, bullying, and dismissive internet comment.
Background of the Incident
When Cleveland Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot voiced her support for Deshaun Watson as the Browns' starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders, a member of the Sanders family took it very personally. Shedeur Sanders' older brother, Shilo Sanders, reacted to Cabot's quarterback choice by commenting, "Go make a sandwich, Mary."
Shilo Sanders, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety, received a response from Cabot that was far from what he might have expected.
The Meaning Behind the Comment
According to Dictionary.com, the phrase "Make me a sandwich" is a straightforward expression with malicious intent, primarily used by male internet users or gamers to express their dissatisfaction with female participation in online communities. The phrase is deeply offensive to women and is intended to make them feel unwelcome. It references the stereotype that women belong only in domestic spaces, such as the kitchen.
Cabot's Response
In response to this comment, Cabot delivered a powerful statement. During her appearance on 92.3 The Fan, she was asked, "How do you respond to a family member taking issue with your report and throwing out insults like that?"
Cabot replied, "Well, let me just say about that that I really do believe that I have been an inspiration for lots of women and young girls to know that you can go out there and do a good job in a man's world. And you know, take on all of that that comes with that. And I know that there are so many women who have joined the football world, especially because of some of the things that I have been able to do over the years, and I am happy about that, and I know that will continue. And now, we have got women in flag football playing flag football all over the place. And I am just happy that I have been able to help set the tone and open some doors in that way. And I know that that will continue. And that is just how I feel about that."
Radio host Anthony Lima declared, "Mary Kay taking the high road! Absolutely terrific answer."
Why Taking the High Road Matters
Mary Kay Cabot chose to focus on her influence and likely ignored the misogynistic comment from someone who had already been ejected from an NFL game for failing to control his anger. Taking the high road matters because it shapes the conversation. No matter how many glass ceilings women shatter or awards they win, some men still prefer to picture them relegated to the kitchen. When women who do not conform to these domestic roles are treated as outsiders or aliens, every tired, sexist remark adds fuel to the fire. Even by 2050, these comments will likely persist.
Men are rarely told to "make a sandwich," and when women point out the double standard, they are often painted as petty. In the end, taking the high road is key. It is not just about politeness; it is about refusing to let others define the narrative.
