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Mahomes Pulled Into Soccer's Diving Debate
26 Jun
Summary
- Commentator Taylor Twellman criticized selective outrage over diving.
- He cited Patrick Mahomes' late-hit 'flopping' in the NFL.
- Twellman argues American sports media ignores own athletes' simulation.
Former USMNT forward Taylor Twellman ignited a social media firestorm after criticizing selective outrage over simulation in sports. Twellman argued that American sports media often overlooks similar deceptive tactics employed by athletes in their own leagues while heavily scrutinizing soccer.
He specifically called out NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes for "late-hit flopping," a tactic where Mahomes reportedly slows near the sideline to draw contact and potentially gain yardage or a penalty. Twellman contends this behavior is a form of simulation that draws less criticism than soccer's diving.
Twellman clarified that he does not defend diving in any sport. His core frustration stems from a perceived hypocrisy in sports commentary, where American athletes' questionable tactics are often ignored while soccer players face consistent public condemnation for similar actions.
This criticism highlights a long-standing double standard, where soccer has historically been an easy target for American sports media. Twellman, with his extensive international playing experience, believes this inconsistency makes much of the criticism against soccer "fraudulent."
