This was always inevitable.
The NFL continues to reap the benefits of the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship, including drawing its best Christmas Day rating since 1989 (ironically enough). The finger has since been pointed in the global pop star’s direction as tough times have fallen on the Kansas City Chiefs.
And now, she’s been a “distraction,” otherwise known as one of the most tiresome tropes in professional sports. As predicted, the sports media has jumped on this theme after the Chiefs’ recent loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, with Skip Bayless being the first and most predictable commentator to do so.
Feels like it's about time to call Taylor Swift a distraction. What do you think, Patrick? Andy? How about you, Travis?
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 25, 2023
Many NFL fans appreciate the positive impact that Taylor Swift’s relationship with Kelce and her fandom has had on the league. However, Bayless has labeled her as a distraction, which perpetuates the outdated and unfair stereotype that a female companion can be a hindrance to a successful male athlete. Fortunately, ESPN’s Elle Duncan provided an excellent counterargument to Bayless’ flawed logic (or lack thereof).
Tell them 🔥 #TaylorSwift13 #TravisKelce #EllenDuncan #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/C9KOXTxfBs
— Maryna Oleksina (@maryna_oleksina) December 26, 2023
“Do not blame Taylor Swift for being a ‘distraction,’ for Travis Kelce not playing well, for the Chiefs playing good…No, it is not her fault,” said Duncan. “I am so tired of us doing this. And we do this to women. It’s Jessica Simpson’s fault Tony Romo spit the bit. Remember Kim Kardashian and Miles Austin for a hot second? It’s her fault. It’s always the woman’s fault for ‘distracting.'”
“Nobody’s asking if Travis Kelce is distracting her from a world tour…No one’s saying that. And I don’t like that. I don’t like that all of sudden that this has become, ‘This is too much; let’s turn it on Taylor. He’s distracted,’ like he can’t carry on a personal life and also a professional life. Get out of here. He’s Travis Kelce; stop. She’s not to blame. So please stop. Full stop on that narrative. Not okay. Stop.”
In throwing the logic of Bayless and like-minded individuals back at them, Duncan condemned blaming women like Taylor Swift for men’s professional shortcomings. And she highlighted the double standard and demanded an end to this harmful narrative.
While the likes of Bayless may be an easy target, his comments expose a deeper problem with this narrative. The tired trope of the “distracting woman” has no place in sports, or anywhere else. And good on Duncan for calling it like it is.
[Maryna Oleksina on Twitter]
