Joe Rogan, a popular podcast host, created a stir when he accused Serena Williams of using steroids. Rogan commented on a podcast episode with comedian Bryan Callen, and it created a firestorm of controversy, not long after events that went down at the former world no.1’s home.
View this post on Instagram
While some of Rogan’s fans were rallying behind his comments, many people were outraged at his unfounded accusation. The issue had become a major topic of discussion online, with people debating whether Rogan’s comments were appropriate and how the controversy needed to be addressed.
Examining the controversy around Joe Rogan accusing Serena Williams of using steroids
During a podcast episode with comedian Bryan Callen, Joe Rogan made a controversial comment about Serena Williams. While discussing the use of performance-enhancing drugs, Rogan brought up Williams as an example of a world-class athlete who might be using steroids. Rogan’s comments were widely criticized, and he faced a significant amount of backlash online.
“Serena Williams is always going to be faster and stronger than a lot of men, that’s true but when the drug testing people came to their house (Serena’s) they locked themselves in a f***ing safe room and I think it’s steroids, it’s performance-enhancing drugs,” added Rogan accusing Williams’ of using drugs to enhance and manipulate her performance.
Rogan further went on to add “I know girls who take testosterone and they travel all over the place and compete and there was no mix-up, (Serena) she knew what the f**k was going on.”
These wild accusations came running around not long after Williams claimed that there was a mix-up of identity authorization which led her to believe sports officials at her place were intruders, ultimately locking herself in the panic room.
Many people discussed how racism and sexism may be playing a role in the way Williams is viewed meanwhile others argued that Rogan isn’t in a position to make assumptions about whether Williams was using steroids or not and to make implications as such is highly unethical and disrespectful to the athlete’s image.
Implications of Joe Rogan’s words on both the tennis community and fans
Those who defended Joe Rogan’s comments suggested that the controversy was overblown and that he should be allowed to say whatever he wanted without facing criticism. The key highlight to this is previewed by supporters saying that Rogan didn’t accuse Williams of using steroids, and argue that it’s ridiculous to get offended by comments that weren’t intended to be taken seriously.
The argument in place is that an athlete like Williams can build muscle without using steroids, but that it’s not uncommon for steroid use to be prevalent in sports. The amount of criticism directed toward Rogan had been unbalanced and unwarranted, and the public should be able to discuss steroid use in sports without being attacked for it.
Rogan’s unsupported opinion comments have suggested that he lacks any credible reason for accusing Williams of using steroids. It suggests that athletes like Williams who excel at sports where steroid use is prevalent are often assumed to be using steroids, but that doesn’t make it appropriate to name them as if they’ve been proven guilty of anything.
Overall, Rogan’s comments were deemed harmful and offensive because they imply that steroid use is a given in sports, that women can’t excel in sports without taking steroids, and that steroid use is acceptable in sports.
Discussion about this post