Sports writer fired for calling women ‘worst fans’ and ‘wannabe cheerleaders’

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A sports writer in New York has been fired for making sexist comments about female sports fans.

Niagara Gazette columnist Jerry Sullivan, who has spent most of his career covering Buffalo sports, appeared on the Trainwreck Tonight podcast on Monday.

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A listener named Amy had written into the show, telling the hosts characters, who go by “Degenerate Al” and “Maniac,” that she “thought the goal was to gain views, not turn people away.”

That’s when Sullivan criticized all women who happen to be sports fans.

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“Women, be better than this,” Sullivan said. “The worst fans really are the women. They don’t get critical journalism. They’re all wannabe cheerleaders. You know what I mean?”

He motioned to Degenerate Al who replied with a grunt – definitely safer than a yes.

Sullivan continued: “It’s a dangerous avenue to go down to criticize women in general, because they’re better than men generally, but they don’t get it as fans.”

He later apologized for his misogynistic remarks, saying they were “uncalled for and insulting to women,” adding, “I should be better than that.”

The Niagara Gazette announced that Sullivan would no longer be writing for them.

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“In light of comments made by contributing columnist Jerry Sullivan on a podcast Monday, the Niagara Gazette and Lockport Union Sun & Journal have made the decision to part ways with Sullivan,” the outlet said in a statement.

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“We do not condone misogynistic, insensitive or derogatory comments in any form,” the paper added. “GNN Sports will remain committed to providing readership with accurate, fair and quality stories.”

Sullivan was also let go by WIVB-TV and the Lockport Union Sun & Journal, while Trainwreck Sports condemned Sullivan’s comments.

Sullivan took to Twitter, once again, following his firings.

“Recently, I’ve written countless women’s sports features, from UB basketball and soccer to Medaille bowling, Olympic rowing and Lancaster High golf,” he tweeted on Wednesday. “It’s sad that due to one stupid comment, many of these types of stories, which go largely ignored in local media, will go untold.”