Toxic Masculinity in Sports/Heckling
It genuinely is baffling that people (men) think it’s acceptable to degrade athletes during matches/rounds/games. Being blatantly and purposefully mean to another human is never a good look.
Ryder Cup 2025 saw unparalleled levels of verbal abuse directed at Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. American spectators screamed at the men about their families (McIlroy) and weight (Lowry). “Fuck you, Rory,” was heard echoing greens as he played. Spectators escalated to gesturing and leering at Rory’s wife as she followed his Saturday Four Ball round. Robert MacIntyre was also targeted by the crowd, having to endure being called “a bloody wanker.”
The 2024/2025 MLB season also saw an uptick in hecklers. It’s nearly become a trend to yell down to outfielders during games. While the words themselves are less severe than those said at the Ryder Cup, the rude interruptions are loud and present regardless. The players often reach their breaking points. One instance had a player brought to tears after being yelled about about his mother, who had passed away (Marte) and others have been heard yelling back, “I’m human too!” (Dyers).
Something has to change. Professional athletes aren’t immune to spectator cruelties and need to be treated with kindness and respect.
