“Disrespectful and Unprofessional”: Monica McNutt Faces Fierce Backlash After Viral “Sid” Comparison Stuns WNBA World

 BRISTOL, CT — The world of sports media is no stranger to heated debates and controversial takes, but a recent segment on ESPN has sparked a firestorm of backlash that few saw coming. Monica McNutt, a prominent ESPN analyst known for her staunch defense of WNBA players and her nuanced coverage of the league, is currently in the eye of a social media hurricane after allegedly comparing Chicago Sky star Angel Reese to “Sid,” the sloth character from the Ice Age movie franchise.

The incident, which occurred during a live broadcast, has left fans, pundits, and the WNBA community divided, confused, and in many cases, outraged.

The Viral Moment

The controversy erupted during a segment intended to break down the latest WNBA matchups and player performances. While discussing Angel Reese’s on-court tenacity and expressive playing style, McNutt made a comment that referenced the long-standing—and often derogatory—internet meme comparing Reese’s appearance to the animated character Sid.

While the context of the remark—whether it was a slip of the tongue, an ill-fated attempt at humor, or a reference to online discourse—remains a subject of fierce debate, the reaction was instantaneous. Clips of the moment began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok within minutes, with captions highlighting the shock of McNutt, usually a protective voice for players, engaging in what many deemed “internet troll behavior.”

“I couldn’t believe my ears,” one user wrote on X. “Monica McNutt has been the one telling us to respect these women, and then she drops a ‘Sid’ joke? That is beyond disappointing.”

A History of Defense

The backlash is compounded by the irony of McNutt’s previous track record. Throughout the past two seasons, McNutt has established herself as one of Angel Reese’s most vocal supporters in national media. She has frequently gone viral for checking her colleagues, including Stephen A. Smith, on their coverage of the WNBA, urging them to discuss the league with more depth and respect.

In May 2025, McNutt famously defended Reese against unfair narratives, stating, “You need to respect the humanity of these women.” She has consistently argued against the villainization of Black women in sports and has been a champion for fair coverage of the Reese vs. Caitlin Clark rivalry.

For many fans, this history makes the recent slip-up feel like a betrayal. “It feels like a ‘Et tu, Brute?’ moment,” commented a popular WNBA content creator. “If the people who are supposed to be the adults in the room are making the same jokes as the trolls in the comment section, where does that leave the players?”

The “Sid” Meme and Bullying Allegations

The comparison to “Sid” is not new. Since Angel Reese rose to national superstardom during LSU’s championship run, online trolls have used the character to mock her appearance. Reese herself has spoken openly about the cyberbullying she faces, noting that while she has “thick skin,” the constant barrage of personal insults takes a toll.

By invoking a specific image used by bullies to demean a young Black woman, critics argue McNutt validated the harassment rather than condemning it.

“It’s not just a cartoon character,” wrote a sports culture critic on Substack. “It’s a specific dog whistle used to call her ugly and unworthy. For a professional analyst to legitimize that on a national platform like ESPN is irresponsible at best and malicious at worst.”

The Fallout and Silence

As the clip continues to rack up millions of views, the pressure is mounting on both McNutt and ESPN to address the situation. As of this writing, neither party has issued an official apology or clarification, which has only fueled the online anger.

Hashtags calling for accountability are trending, with some extreme takes even calling for McNutt’s suspension. However, others are urging caution, suggesting that the clip might be taken out of context or that McNutt was referencing the existence of the meme rather than endorsing it.

“We need to hear her side,” said one measured fan. “She’s earned enough goodwill that we should let her explain the context before we cancel her. But it definitely sounded bad.”

A Tense Week for WNBA Media

This incident highlights the fragile relationship between traditional media and the new generation of WNBA stars. Players like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark live under a microscope, and every word spoken about them is dissected by a passionate and protective fanbase.

For Monica McNutt, a broadcaster who has built her brand on authenticity and empowerment, this is a critical juncture. The “Sid” comment, whether accidental or intentional, has struck a nerve in a community tired of seeing their stars disrespected. How she navigates the fallout—and whether she can regain the trust of the “Chi-Town Barbie” fanbase—remains to be seen.

For now, the message from the internet is clear: The line between analysis and insult is real, and even the most respected voices can get burned if they cross it.