News is circulating about Sydney Sweeney’s “Just Sports” ad advertising Novig, a sports betting and prediction platform. The very controversial ad with Sydney Sweeney is promoting sports while being dressed only in gear such as footballs or a basketball net. The ad immediately faced harsh backlash from the female sports community, claiming the ad went against everything female athletes have worked for. People are speaking out about the ad’s objectification of female bodies and diminishing females’ roles in the sports industry.
Athletes are using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to speak against hte ad. Female athletes, such as former gymnast Gracie Kramer, are showing what true women’s sports look like. British sprinter Amy Hunt posted a similar video portraying her take on real women’s sports. She posted a video of herself representing her country, racing as an Olympic medalist.
“I think she sets back women’s sports and portrays a disgusting image,” Junior Annika Soni said when asked about the ad. Soni runs varsity cross country and track for the Pace team, showing what women’s sports can truly be capable of.
Along with the controversy around women’s sports, the ad also promotes sports betting. According to CNBC, over 35% of high school students participate in illegal sports betting. The number rises to over 60% after 17 years of age. The legal age of gambling is 21 years old. Sports betting is known to lead to addiction, struggles with mental health and financial troubles.
With Sydney Sweeney’s ad circulating and the start of college and NFL football, sports betting has started. Even without money wagers, many high school students participate in fantasy leagues with punishments and other stakes. Punishments in past years for fantasy have been 24 hours at Waffle House, staying in a dog cage, and the infamous milk mile. Whether it’s money wagers or fantasy punishments, high school students are constantly watching sports and their statistics and wagering.
Sports season is in full swing, with sports betting and the view on women’s sports constantly changing. Sweeney’s advertisement has sparked larger debate about the role of women in sports and the idea that sports should be about athleticism, not appearance. At the same time, the popularity of sports betting is rising, posing questions about how often younger generations are exposed to gambling. These controversial topics make room for conversations regarding women in sports and the influence of gambling on younger generations.