Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson finds himself at the centre of a brewing storm after footage emerged showing him making what many are calling an 'intimidating' gesture behind a female reporter during a live broadcast.
The incident occurred during a post-game media session following the Lions' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when reporter Paige Dimakos was delivering her live report for WXYZ-TV.
The Controversial Moment
As Dimakos spoke to cameras, Johnson could be seen standing directly behind her, mimicking a hammering motion with his fist while maintaining eye contact with someone off-camera. The gesture, captured by broadcast cameras, has been interpreted by many viewers as threatening and deliberately disruptive.
Social media erupted with criticism almost immediately after the clip went viral, with fans and commentators alike condemning the coach's behaviour as unprofessional and disrespectful towards a journalist simply doing her job.
Mounting Backlash
The response has been swift and damning:
- Multiple sports commentators have described the gesture as 'childish' and 'completely unnecessary'
- Viewers expressed concern about the message it sends regarding treatment of female sports journalists
- Many called for the NFL to address what they see as a pattern of disrespect towards media professionals
One sports analyst noted: "This isn't just about one gesture - it's about the culture of respect in professional sports. When someone in a position of power behaves this way towards media, it sets a terrible example."
Broader Implications
The incident raises important questions about the relationship between professional sports teams and the media who cover them. Female sports journalists have historically faced additional challenges in being taken seriously within male-dominated sports environments.
While Johnson has yet to make a public statement about the incident, the Detroit Lions organization is likely facing pressure to address the growing controversy as the video continues to circulate across social media platforms and sports news outlets.
This comes at a particularly sensitive time for the NFL, which has made efforts in recent years to improve diversity and inclusion across all levels of the sport, including in media relations and coverage.
