A social media post by Sauce Gardner shows the New York Jets cornerback facing accusations of insecurity and comparisons to an online male community defined by its inability to attract women.
The term incel, which derives from the term “involuntary celibate,” is used to refer to incel men who gather in online forums to alternately criticize and dismiss the objects of their romantic desires. Often, incel men refer to women as “women” in a perceived attempt to reduce the opposite sex to a reproductive role.
So when Gardner wrote about “women” in a recent X-rated post, fans were quick to make a connection.
The exchange began with Gardner commenting on a Buffalo Bills fan who was photographed holding a sign at a recent game.
“Josh,” the woman wrote, presumably to Bills quarterback Josh Allen. “I just got married but I would leave my husband for you!”
A social media post by Sauce Gardner has the Jets corner facing accusations of insecurity
Gardner’s post sparked accusations of insecurity and comparisons to the incel community.
The sign added the postscript: “It’s right here.”
Gardner, 24, responded to a photo of the X-rated woman.
“Most women these days will call you insecure if you get upset about this behavior,” he wrote.
The fans were unreceptive.
“The best corner in the NFL is an incel,” wrote one fan.
Another claimed that “Incel Grift pays well for an athlete to do it.”
‘Salsa man, why do we call them ‘females’ like they’re a different species?’ another fan complained.
Many others supported Gardner, who prepares to face the visiting Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay fully agreed, writing, “These are facts!!”
“That’s instant divorce,” wrote one fan on X.
“I hope she planned her trip home herself,” another added.
