Dan Orlovsky became a focal point in the sports media world, but not for his usual football-related insights.
On Thursday, the ESPN analyst tweeted, “Protect our daughters,” in response to the controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
The Olympic dispute erupted after Khelif’s opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, bowed out of their match in just 46 seconds. Carini suggested she felt an unprecedented level of power during the bout, fueling the debate. Orlovsky’s tweet quickly drew backlash from football fans and the broader sports community, leading him to delete the post.
The incident prompted deeper scrutiny into Orlovsky’s background and religious views. Critics circulated a 2021 article in which the former quarterback made comments about spending time with women. “And when I say I’m with a group, I mean group. Jon Kitna taught me to never be one-on-one with a female,” Orlovsky wrote in an “All Pro Dad” article titled “4 Ways to Avoid Temptation.”
Though Orlovsky has not addressed his deleted tweet publicly, his other social media posts, including one about Titans star DeAndre Hopkins being injured, were inundated with critical remarks. “You gonna own up to your deleted tweet, man?” one user replied, garnering more likes than Orlovsky’s original post. Others mocked his “Protect our daughters” phrase by pairing it with cut-ups of his NFL stats, highlighting his tenure with the winless 2008 Detroit Lions.
Khelif was allowed to compete in the Paris Olympics despite not passing gender eligibility tests during the 2023 World Championships due to “elevated levels of testosterone” that exceeded the threshold for women.
This decision has continued to spark debate as Khelif prepares for her 66kg quarterfinal matchup against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori on Saturday.
High-profile figures like Logan Paul and Pat McAfee have also weighed in, expressing doubts about Khelif’s participation. However, Paul later issued a partial apology, admitting to some degree of ignorance on the matter.
As the controversy unfolds, the focus remains on Khelif and her upcoming match, while Orlovsky’s comments have ignited a broader discussion about gender, fairness, and the responsibilities of public figures in sensitive debates. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between sports, social issues, and personal beliefs.
