Gamecock Digest

ICYMI: CBS Radio Radio Host, Affiliate Issue Apology For Insensitive Remarks About Kamilla Cardoso

A controversial CBS Sports advertisement referencing Kamilla Cardoso drew an angry response from Dawn Staley and eventually led to several apologies.

Joseph Griffin

ICYMI: CBS Radio Radio Host, Affiliate Issue Apology For Insensitive Remarks About Kamilla Cardoso
ICYMI: CBS Radio Radio Host, Affiliate Issue Apology For Insensitive Remarks About Kamilla Cardoso /

A controversial CBS Sports advertisement referencing Kamilla Cardoso drew an angry response from Dawn Staley and eventually led to several apologies.

In a recent CBS radio advertisement promoting the women's basketball tournament, the excitement for star athletes like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark was overshadowed by a disrespectful comment aimed at South Carolina's starting center and native of Brazil, Kamilla Cardoso. The ad, voiced over by an announcer identified as J.R., referred to the talented player as 'the giant Brazilian woman that knocks people over,' igniting a firestorm in South Carolina women's basketball fanbase

Cardoso, a 6'7" standout athlete, has been an integral part of her team's success, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. The ad's reductive and insensitive remark not only disrespected her skills as a player but also played into harmful stereotypes about an athletes' physical characteristics, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

The backlash was swift, with coach Dawn Staley leading the charge in defense of her player. Staley, who's been a vocal advocate for equality and respect for women of color in sports, called out the offensive nature of the ad on social media. Her stance resonated within the sports community and beyond as fans and fellow athletes rallied to support Cardoso.

In response to the outcry, CBS sports executives, and affiliate radio station 107.5 The Game (who had no say in the ad running) took ownership of the mistake and personally apologized to coach Staley. J.R., the radio host who did the voiceover for the ad, also made a public apology.

The incident underscores the need for more thoughtful and empowering narratives that celebrate the talent and dedication of women in sports without resorting to reductive or offensive characterizations. As the tournament progresses, we hope that the focus will return to the incredible skill and competition on the court, with Kamilla and her fellow athletes receiving the respect they rightfully deserve.

You Might Also Like:

Join the community:

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter at @GamecocksDigest and our page on Facebook!

Published
Joseph Griffin
JOSEPH GRIFFIN

Home/Basketball