So far, the Olympics have mostly been super fun — but at times, they’ve exposed how much times have changed in the last few years, and how poorly sports reporters have kept up with them.
You’ve probably seen some of the sexist and racist coverage that’s come out of the event — one medal-winner was only identified by her husband’s name, another was referred to only by her race in a headline.
And now, a BBC commentator is being called out for a borderline-homophobic, machismo-dripping comment on a tennis match. British player Andy Murray cried when he won a victory over an Argentinian player last night. BBC commentator Paul Hand couldn’t bear the sight of it.
Related: BBC Forced To Apologize For On-Air Homophobic Joke During Olympics Coverage
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“We’ve had macho tennis, but not a macho response, right?” he said. Oh, lord. Can you imagine being as delicate and hysterical as Paul Hand? If the sight of another man crying makes him nervous, he must truly be dealing with some troubling personal issues.
His comments touched off a firestorm of complaints on Twitter, and eventually the BBC non-pologized that his comments were “ill-judged.” But the more important question is: is Paul Hand getting counseling for his obvious emotional problems?
This isn’t the first time he’s had a misstep at the Olympics. Just a few days ago, he freaked out at the idea of two men kissing, when a stadium kiss-camera was making the rounds. He was narrating how the couples were embracing or not embracing, and said “it’s lovely to watch” about straight couples. After some time, he added, “let’s hope they don’t go on two blokes next to each other.”
Let’s hope not, because apparently Paul Hand’s manhood can’t survive the idea that gay people exist.
These irritating behaviors might’ve been shrugged off a few years ago, but the internet’s helped us become more aware of how unfair it is to treat people this way.
DDstar1me
Ummm…clearly BBC likes his commentary and doesn’t want to loose his fan base. So, lets just ignore this F**er and move on with life. We will always have people like him in the world. Lets just move on….
DDstar1me
Furthermore, since he now knows that his comments have struck a chord with those within the “community”. He’ll only be enticed to continue with such trashy unapologetic behavior.
Brian
The BBC really needs to stop being a proxy apologist. It comes across as fake. Either force Paul Hand to personally apologize or don’t apologize at all.
Stop playing games, BBC.
Chris
People who win something that they have worked most of their life for and that means so much to them often get emotional — just look at Michael Phelps. And I’m sure that Andy Murray was overcome with emotion. Not that this loser of a sports commentator would know anything about that!
Xzamilio
@Brian: I agree, except with the forcing him to apologize. Because most of us know he wouldn’t actually mean it, and the ones offended probably wouldn’t accept it.
Leonard Woodrow
He obviously is a tad lacking in empathy. Sadly, sensitivity about other people’s feelings isn’t something that can be learned if you are unlucky enough to be born without it.
Maybe he would be better suited in some other kind of job.
martinbakman
The media continually expose how their ranks are full of twits. Daily Beast promised to be better, but I fear they’ll merely get better at being twits.
Bob LaBlah
From the article: “We’ve had macho tennis, but not a macho response, right?” he said.”
He has clearly not seen the Williams brothers playing tennis. It is impossible to get more macho than those two “sisters”.
Bauhaus
Note to commentator – posing is not masculine.
Black buns
I have always been a fan of the Olympics for years and would literally spend at least 5 or more hours watching and this year was no exception because last Saturday and Sunday, I was inside watching the Olympics and just stunned how beautiful people from around the world was being represented in such a positive way. Then two days into my Olympic marathon something hit me just how homophobic and how racially divided the world still is in 2016. There were a few ‘Scooby Doo Villains taking center stage at times and I can’t leave out many of the ‘Mean Girl Tactics’ and even ‘Mean Guy Tactics’ taking place and while the world was watching. I watched and listened to many of the commentators just come off so bias, so uninformed and just downright rude and yet they are getting paid for all their on-air antics. This guy wasn’t the only one sounding a bit off but he would be the only one that got caught and called out. Trust me there were so many other on-air personalities that seemed like they too need a sensitivity seminar or two before trying to be on such a big stage with everyone wide awake.
highestbidder
I don’t know what you’re talking about but a man crying used to send me running for the door in freak out mode. It still makes me extremely uncomfortable but now that I’m taking care of an aged relative with dementia I have had to learn to deal with it.
highestbidder
But personally I haven’t watched or followed the Olympics since the 1984 games. After that the USOC sued the pants off The Gay Olympics and forced them to change their name to The Gay Games because we were degrading the Olympic name and the USOC was the only entity that was allowed to use the term except they said The Special Olympics was ok.
Marky
@Bauhaus: hehehehehe
robho3
Yes because we all know real men don’t cry.