In a recent social media spat, Shilo Sanders has faced backlash following a disparaging remark directed at female sports journalist Mary Kay Cabot. The incident arose after Cabot, who is a respected reporter for Cleveland.com, suggested in an Instagram video that Shedeur Sanders, Shilo’s brother and a player for the Cleveland Browns, should be considered for the backup quarterback position.
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In a rather controversial response, Shilo, who is currently a free agent after being released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the previous season, commented, “Go make a sandwich Mary,” on Cabot’s post. This remark, widely regarded as sexist, quickly drew ire on social media, leading to a discussion about the treatment of women in sports journalism.
Cabot, who has gained recognition for her contributions to sports reporting and was awarded the Bill Nunn Memorial Award in 2025, took a measured approach in her response. On April 30, she addressed the comment during a segment on the radio station 92.3 The Fan. Rather than retaliating with hostility, Cabot chose to highlight her own accomplishments and the inspiration she aims to provide for women in the industry.
“I really do believe that I’ve been an inspiration for lots of women and young girls to know that you can go out there and do a good job in a man’s world,” Cabot stated. She went on to express pride in the increasing number of women entering the sphere of football reporting, attributing this shift to the groundwork she has laid over her career.
Reaction to Shilo’s comment has been mixed, with many users on social media criticising his remarks. One user noted, “Not a good look for Shilo,” highlighting that while they may disagree with Cabot’s opinions, the behaviour exhibited was inappropriate. Another user quipped that despite the comment made by Shilo, Cabot “currently HAS a job,” pointing out the disparity in their respective professional standings.
In a subsequent livestream on Twitch, Shilo Sanders continued his defence, taking aim at Cabot’s journalistic integrity. He accused her of perpetuating a negative narrative about his brother and suggested that her reporting included an emotional bias rather than factual coverage. “If you’re gonna be a reporter, be a reporter and report facts,” Shilo asserted, maintaining that Cabot’s commentary impacts Shedeur’s focus on his football career.
Addressing the broader conversation regarding women in sports reporting, Shilo acknowledged that many female professionals do take their craft seriously but suggested that Cabot’s style is detrimental to their reputation. “I don’t want you to make women look bad when it comes to reporting because you don’t have the will to actually want to report real things that are going on,” he lamented.
The exchange has sparked conversations across various platforms about sexism in sports media and the progress of female journalists. With her extensive career, Mary Kay Cabot has been a trailblazer in this arena, and her response serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by women in the industry.
As this situation evolves, it will be interesting to observe the reactions from fans and the sports community at large. The incident not only highlights the ongoing issues surrounding gender equality in sports reporting but also sets a stage for more in-depth discussions about respect and professionalism in media interactions.
This recent altercation between Shilo Sanders and Mary Kay Cabot may be a singular event, but it undoubtedly illustrates the broader societal implications and controversies that continue to challenge the landscape of sports journalism and the representation of women within it.