Conservative Media Celebrates U.S. Women’s Soccer Team’s Loss to Sweden
In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. women’s national soccer team suffered a devastating loss to Sweden in the round of 16 on Sunday. Despite dominating the game and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the U.S. team fell short in the penalty shootout, losing 5-4. This early exit from the World Cup is a historic disappointment for the team, which had previously won the past two tournaments.
Conservative media stars and personalities, including former President Donald Trump, have seized on this loss as an opportunity to criticize the team and its players. Trump took to Truth Social, his newly launched social media platform, to express his discontent. He blamed the team’s defeat on what he perceives as a decline in the nation under President Joe Biden’s leadership. Trump also singled out veteran player Megan Rapinoe, who missed a crucial penalty kick during the match.
Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly also joined the chorus of criticism, using her podcast to berate Rapinoe and the team. Kelly accused Rapinoe of lacking respect for the country and its values, claiming that the team failed to honor what the United States stands for. Fox News host Laura Ingraham echoed these sentiments on her show, “The Ingraham Angle.”
The conservative commentators’ remarks have sparked outrage and divided public opinion. Some argue that it is unfair to politicize the players’ performance and use it as a platform for ideological debates. They maintain that the team should be supported regardless of individual political beliefs. Others see this as an opportunity to reevaluate the players’ activism and question whether it detracts from their dedication to the sport.
Megan Rapinoe has been a prominent figure in the U.S. Women’s National Team for over a decade. Alongside her sporting achievements, she has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights and women’s equality. In 2016, Rapinoe and four other players filed a complaint against the U.S. Soccer Federation, alleging gender discrimination. In 2019, she joined 28 members of the team in filing a gender discrimination lawsuit.
This lawsuit resulted in a settlement earlier this year, with the U.S. Soccer Federation agreeing to pay $24 million and ensure equal pay between male and female players in exhibition games and tournaments. Rapinoe’s activism, particularly her decision to kneel during the national anthem and speak out against social injustices, has been a point of contention for conservative critics.
Fox News host Jesse Watters criticized Rapinoe for her kneeling protests, claiming they were divisive and disrespectful. He also questioned her approach to advocating for better pay, suggesting that injecting sexism into the conversation only alienates the public.
As the debate rages on, it is clear that the U.S. women’s soccer team’s loss to Sweden has become a lightning rod for political and ideological discussions. Whether this criticism will have a lasting impact on the team’s future remains to be seen. However, it is evident that the players’ activism and their performance on the field have become intertwined in the public eye, creating a complex and contentious narrative.
Original Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2023-08-08 16:08:31
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