ESPN Panelist says Women Provoke Their Own Attacks

Action Alert!

Stephen A. Smith, a panelist for ESPN, recently implied that women are responsible for their own beatings. These kinds of statements aren’t “discussion” — they’re victim-blaming and sexist.

Football player Ray Rice was given just a two game suspension for assaulting his fiancee and leaving her unconscious. While discussing the story, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith implied that women are responsible for their own beatings.

Smith said “We talk about the guys, but we never talk about the elements of provocation.”

These kinds of statements aren’t “discussion” — they’re victim-blaming and sexist. Tell ESPN to reprimand Smith for his ignorant comments.

By drawing attention to Rice’s girlfriend rather than Rice himself, Smith implicitly excused Rice of doing anything wrong.

Even after widespread public outcry, Smith continues to dodge admitting that the abuser is always the person at fault for domestic violence.

ESPN has suspended Smith for one week, but more needs to be done to combat this culture of victim-blaming — especially in the sports community, where players are given such lenient punishments for assault against women.

Tell ESPN to publicly reprimand Smith for his comments and work to address sexism in its employees!