'You Know You Love It': U.S. Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Named Sports Illustrated's 'Sportsperson of the Year'

Nick Kangadis | December 9, 2019
DONATE
Font Size

If you thought U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) co-captain Megan Rapinoe had an ego before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

“This is me in the full. We’re not going to be a certain way for anyone. This is me, and you know you love it.”

That was a quote from Rapinoe that concluded the tribute to her as this year’s Sports Illustrated “Sportsperson of the Year.” The article was published on Monday, and touted Rapinoe as a “voice for so many around the world.”

Here's Sports Illustrated's announcement on Twitter:

The cover of the annual issue shows Rapinoe wearing something that’s apparently supposed to constitute a fashionable outfit while smirking and holding a sledgehammer.

But wait, I thought smirking was a sign of “white privilege?”

“What about a smirk?” Rapinoe said at one point during the photoshoot. “It’s kind of like a little, ‘F*** you, I’m coming.’”

I guess smirking being a punishable offense only applies to 15-year-old boys and doesn’t apply to people who’ve been openly critical of President Donald Trump.

Anyway, the article that seemingly worships at the alter of Rapinoe, concludes by talking about the decision to have Rapinoe pose with the sledgehammer. The photographer of the shoot apparently wanted Rapinoe to pose with the item, with “the concept being that she’s smashing the patriarchy.”

Please. She kicks a ball for her job and, despite what she wants you to think, makes a pretty damn good living doing it — at least more than most of her U.S. male counterparts.

I’m not going to get into Rapinoe’s story that’s told in this love letter to her. Most of us have already heard her story, ad nauseam. And if you haven’t heard her story, just ask. She’s got no problem talking about herself.

donate