Netflix sports host Elle Duncan is done pretending WNBA backlash online is organic. During an appearance on The Right Time with Bomani Jones, she explained how there’s no definitive answer in how to address the backlash. Also why she chooses to limit appearances talking about the issues of the WNBA.
What We Know: Duncan discussed the WNBA’s nonstop controversy cycle on The Right Time with Bomani Jones. The conversation followed Monica McNutt’s SportsCenter hit from a nail salon, which drew instant online criticism. That moment landed amid a broader stretch of outrage involving WNBA players and staff centered around Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes participating in sports. Duncan addressed both her hesitancy in discussing the topics while also stating how social media tends to create controversy from topics as well.
What They Said: (All quotes from The Right Time w/Bomani Jones)
Elle Duncan says there’s no solution to frame controversial conversations about the WNBA to satisfy all sides: “I’ve been at this place of avoid, avoid, avoid. I just don’t want to talk about it. It’s a headache every time I talk about it. It gets clipped from a podcast. I have to avoid socials for four days. I’m getting text messages from right wing media companies which is a joke. I’m never coming on your show, Outkick. It’s never gonna fu**ing happen. You can literally stop asking. But I also think that isn’t a solution either to avoid and evade and like that’s not it either.”
Elle Duncan on the game the social media plays with lack of context: “I called it on the last podcast. I’m gonna talk about this. They’re gonna clip off 15 seconds of this, and then it’s gonna go viral. Then everyone’s gonna be in my s**t. That’s the tenor of social media, and I’m all good with it. You know why I’m all good with it? Because all I have to do to avoid it is put my fu**ing phone down. I still gotta go pick my kids up from camp. I still gotta be a snack bi**h when they come home. None of this actually matters because it is not real life. These manufactured ass controversies are not real. They’re fake.”
Elle Duncan on why she feels Monica McNutt’s SportsCenter hit received backlash since it was from a nail salon: “I think it’s because she’s a woman and because she was doing a very feminine thing. If Monica is like at the park working out, no one gives a s**t. But because she’s getting her nails done. Then all of a sudden she’s not being a professional, and I just think it’s so silly and absurd.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether or not Duncan will continue to limit appearances on podcasts or use of social media is unknown. Outkick has not responded to Duncan saying she’ll never appear on their platform. Also, ESPN has not commented on McNutt’s appearance from a nail salon on SportsCenter.
What It Means: Duncan’s remarks reflect growing frustration among sports media talent toward platform-driven and social media outrage. She’s arguing these cycles reveal more about social media than the sports, players, and sports media talent itself. Her blunt framing suggests thinning patience among on-air voices for chasing every viral clip. Whether or not if you agree with Duncan’s assessment of social media and online platforms, the conversation does generate interest, engagement, and more than likely clicks.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.