Were Duncan Keith’s comments to female reporter sexist?
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith apparently didn’t like the line of questioning by a female reporter after a 3-1 loss to Vancouver on Monday, responding with comments that some are now describing as sexist.
When Karen Thomson of Team 1040 radio in Vancouver asked about the Canucks’ third goal of the game, during which it appeared Keith might have gone unpenalized for a slash, the player acted like he didn’t know what she was talking about twice.
He finally asked her, “What did you see?”
Listen to the exchange between Chicago’s Duncan Keith and reporter Karen Thomson
She responded: “It looked like maybe there was a penalty that went undetected. You seemed a bit frustrated.”
He replied: “Oh, no. I don’t think there was anything. I think he scored a nice goal. The ref was right there. That’s what the ref saw. We should get you as a ref maybe, eh?”
Thomson tried to laugh it off, informing Keith that she can’t skate. But he got in another jab or two before essentially dismissing her: “The first female referee. You can’t play probably either, right? But you’re thinking the game like you know it? OK, see ya.”
Ever since the comments went public a debate has been taking place on Twitter as to whether or not they were sexist. While many point out that Keith would have treated a male reporter the same way, he did bring gender into the discussion with the “first female referee” remark.
Is that enough to make his comments sexist? Click on the link above to listen to the full exchange, then let us know what you think.
ALSO:
Ducks clinch Pacific Division title
Kings are getting stronger just at the right time
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
