Shilo Sanders is facing backlash after making a sexist remark directed at a veteran NFL reporter, adding a new controversy to an already turbulent stretch off the field.
The latest flashpoint came after Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot shared her opinion that Sanders’ younger brother, Shedeur Sanders, should be moved to a backup role with the Cleveland Browns. Shilo responded in the comments section of the Instagram post featuring her opinion, writing, “Go make a sandwich, Mary.”
Cabot addressed the comment publicly the following day during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan, choosing not to engage directly with the insult. Instead, she highlighted her track record in the industry and her role in opening doors for women in sports media.
“I really do believe that I’ve been an inspiration for lots of women and young girls,” Cabot said, adding that her work has helped show that women can “go out there and do a good job in a man’s world.”
The situation escalated further when Sanders responded again during a Twitch livestream, doubling down on his criticism of Cabot’s coverage. “If you’re gonna be a reporter, be a reporter and report facts,” he said, accusing her of having an “agenda” against his brother.
He also suggested her reporting relied too heavily on opinion, adding that there are “plenty of women” who take covering football seriously.
The backlash comes at a time when Sanders is already dealing with significant challenges away from football. The 26-year-old, who was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is currently unsigned, has been tied up in ongoing legal issues stemming from a bankruptcy case filed in 2023.
In recent months, a bankruptcy trustee has pushed to recover those funds, arguing they were improperly transferred, while Sanders’ legal team has fought to keep the case from advancing. A federal judge ultimately allowed that lawsuit to proceed.
