Three Things

On devastating injuries, true love, and jerks who think women's pain doesn't deserve empathy.

  1. In case you didn’t see it, USWNT forward Mallory Swanson suffered a horrible knee injury last weekend during a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland. Mallory’s husband is none other than Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. They got married last December, and Dansby signed with the Cubs as a free agent because Mallory plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.Mallory underwent successful surgery on her patella tendon on Tuesday, though her hopes for playing in this year’s World Cup are dashed. As you can imagine, this whole situation has been exceedingly stressful for Mallory and also for her loved ones, including her husband. Dansby reported to Wrigley Field Tuesday evening and played five innings before taking himself out of the game. He said afterward that he had gotten very little sleep and hadn’t eaten or had much to drink over the past several days.That led to this garbage heap of words:

  1. Congratulations to Mallory Swanson for finding a partner who loves her completely. And not only that, but he respects her as a professional athlete and shares in her devastation at not playing in the World Cup when she is at the top of her game (and the uncertainty that is part of recovering from a major injury). She’s got a good one.

  2. John Mincone has “Girl Dad” in his bio. And yet, he is so cavalier about a woman’s injury and surgery (every surgery has its risks). His tweet is getting the ratio it deserves. Either the blowback flips a switch that maybe the women/girls in his life deserve more support and less “suck it up, Buttercup,” or he leans further into his barely-disguised sexism…we’ll have to see (but I’m betting on the latter).

Oh, one more thing: Get Well Soon, Mallory!