Online bullying is nothing new for Simone Biles, who in 2021 experienced harsh criticism for her “twisties” during the Tokyo Olympics. But even after making amends in Paris by winning three gold and a silver, the 27-year-old encountered criticism once more. The greatest gymnast of all time riled up Chicago Bears supporters on August 17 during a preseason game. Why? due to the Olympian’s Green Bay Packers-themed jacket.
She didn’t aim to anger the supporters of her husband’s club, despite the fact that the Olympian was targeted by the Bears. Last season, Jonathan Ownes was a member of the Packers. Upon closer examination, the jacket’s themes turned out to be pictures of Owens wearing his number 34 jersey. The eleven-time Olympian, however, revealed to TMZ that she will not be wearing Packers merchandise when she attends a Bears game.
Yes, I now own a tonne of Bears apparel. So, gentlemen, don’t worry!” TMZ Sports was told by Simone Biles. Fans weren’t happy that the Olympian was once again the subject of enquiries on the Bears-Packers uniform controversy, though. Many were shocked to learn that the Chicago Bears’ internet fan community disregarded her wearing an item of clothing honouring Jonathan Ownes.
“Oh my god. “Leave her alone!” exclaimed X user. The user expressed surprise that the gold medallist from the Olympics still had to defend her clothing choices in order to prevent bullying. The situation was made even more ironic by the fact that Biles had to respond to the question just after departing from the Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health. But why did something that seemed so unimportant get so serious?
Many may find it difficult to understand why Simone Biles donning the uniform of a different team to a preseason game could spark such controversy. To the supporters of both NFL teams, however, wearing the Green Bay Packers colours to a Chicago Bears stadium was nothing more than a non-issue. The Bears vs. Packers rivalry is actually one of the oldest and most intense in NFL history, having begun in 1921.
Since the early 1990s, the Green Bay Packers have crushed their competitors. According to a January Forbes article, the Packers have defeated their bitter rivals the Bears 50 times in the last three decades, while the Bears have only triumphed in 15. Therefore, it is not unexpected that the Monsters of the Midway fandom was offended when Simone Biles wore the garment. That doesn’t mean, though, that others who support Biles didn’t find it offensive.
Fans of Simone Biles stood next to their idol.
Jonathan Owens made time in his schedule to support his spouse during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Together, Ownes and Biles are a highly supportive pair who both aspire to be the best in their respective sports. The 27-year-old usually goes to her husband’s games, so she was eager to attend the preseason game after his gesture in Paris.
But the world champion had little time left before the August 17th Owens game, which took place after the Olympics ended. Simone Biles might not have had enough time to get any Chicago Bears merchandise as a result. Thus, her dress decision was defended by her supporters. Simone is free to dress however she pleases, so leave her alone. Real Talk,” one X-user remarked.
Her choice was unintentional, as evidenced by the fact that she has already corrected the situation. One fan, meanwhile, was perplexed as to why it was such a huge deal. The online user backed up their claim with the national fan base of a well-known NBA team. The person questioned, “Do they really have to police everything?”
The fan questioned, “How many Lakers fans are there in the nation with cities that have a home team?” in an attempt to figure out why Simen Biles was the target of such severe criticism. Another supporter attempted to clarify the intensity of the rivalry between the two teams and their fervent fan bases in the meanwhile. The X-user declared, “That’s one rivalry you don’t mess with.”
The fan remarked, “I’m surprised these two neighbouring states haven’t gone to war over it.” After a century of animosity, the two fan bases are not afraid to use words to hurt one another, even though they may not physically fight. Simone Biles, regrettably, was caught in the crossfire. Because of this, several fans believed that the all-time great in gymnastics “started off on the wrong feet in Chicago.”
The thirty-time world championship medallist didn’t appear to take the initial criticism personally, though. The Olympian just made the decision to accept the feelings of the Chicago Bears supporters rather than taking offence at her detractors. Ultimately, the gymnast attended her first of many preseason games to support her spouse.
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