By: Riha Rao Image credit: People
Popular podcast presenter Joe Rogan's comment on a podcast episode with comedian Bryan Callen caused controversy when he claimed Serena Williams had taken performance-enhancing drugs.
People were arguing over whether Rogan's remarks were acceptable and how the subject should have been handled in the internet debate on the problem.
“Serena Williams is always going to be faster and stronger than a lot of men, that’s true but when the drug testing people came to their house they locked themselves in a f***ing safe room and I think it’s steroids." said Rogan.
Some claimed that Rogan isn't in a position to assume whether Williams was using steroids or not, and others have questioned how racism and sexism may be contributing to how Williams is seen.
Supporters of Rogan noted that he didn't accuse Williams of using steroids and that it's absurd to take offense at remarks that weren't meant to be taken seriously.
The amount of criticism leveled at Rogan had been unfair and unjustified, and the general public ought to be free to talk about steroid use in sports without coming under fire.
Rogan was not in a position to infer whether Williams is taking performance-enhancing drugs or not, and to infer such a conclusion would be very unethical and damaging to the athlete's reputation.
Overall, Rogan's remarks were regarded as damaging and disrespectful because they were believed to convey the ideas that using steroids is inevitable in sports, that women can't succeed in sports without them, and that using steroids is normal.
“I Think It’s Steroids” – Joe Rogan Was Convinced Serena Williams Was on PEDs After She Evaded Drug Tests