Why Carlie Irsay-Gordon taking notes on Colts' sideline became a controversy

Sam Kass, a professor at Indiana University, was giving a lecture in her Gender and Sports class when students began discussing Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her presence on the sidelines during games. The image of Irsay-Gordon, dressed in feminine attire with lipstick, scribbling down notes and asking questions of coaches, has sparked a social media controversy.

Sports personality Bill Simmons called her actions "f---ing nuts," while others defended her presence and questioned her football IQ. The controversy has led to broader questions about gender and power in sports.

Kass, coming from a gender studies perspective, wonders if the backlash would be less harsh if Irsay-Gordon were a man. She acknowledges that her sideline presence is different from that of other owners, as she attends every game and has been doing so for a decade. Kass points out that the language and tone of the critique are different when applied to a woman compared to a man in a similar position.

Sports personality Bill Simmons' comments on The Bill Simmons Podcast also highlight the double standard. While his co-host may have had a crush on Irsay-Gordon, Simmons expressed his disbelief and criticism, suggesting that she was being "f---ing nuts." Kass argues that this binary response is problematic, as she is both an NFL owner and a woman, and cannot be criticized for both aspects simultaneously.

While some find Irsay-Gordon's sideline presence performative, Kass argues that sports is inherently about performance. She questions the assumption that her note-taking is merely for show and believes that her actions are a valid part of her leadership role. Kass also notes that Irsay-Gordon's fashion choices contribute to her high visibility and may be a factor in the public's attention. However, she maintains that her appearance does not negate her ownership status or her ability to lead the team.