Cleveland Shockwaves: Mary Kay Cabot Faces Backlash Over Comments on Shedeur Sanders, Fans Call for Cancellation

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The city of Cleveland is buzzing with controversy as longtime Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot finds herself at the center of a firestorm. Following rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ electrifying first NFL victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, Cabot’s comments have ignited outrage among fans and media personalities, with many calling for her to be “canceled” and removed from the local sports media scene.

A Win That Should Have United Cleveland

Last Sunday, Shedeur Sanders made history. In his first NFL start, the young quarterback led the Cleveland Browns to a hard-fought win over the Las Vegas Raiders—a feat that had eluded 16 previous Browns quarterbacks over three decades. The city was alive with hope, and the locker room’s energy was palpable. Sanders’ poise, leadership, and ability to make big plays instantly made him the talk of the town.

But amid the celebration, one voice stood out for its skepticism: Mary Kay Cabot, the veteran insider and beat writer for the Browns.

The Comments That Sparked Outrage

On the eve of Sanders’ second start, this time against the formidable San Francisco 49ers, Cabot appeared on 92.3 The Fan and made comments that many interpreted as dismissive of Sanders’ achievement. “There might come a point where it makes sense to see a little bit more of Dylan Gabriel,” Cabot said, referring to the Browns’ backup quarterback.

For many fans, this was a slap in the face. Sanders had just delivered a win in his first start, yet Cabot seemed eager to shift the narrative back to Gabriel. The pushback was swift and fierce, with listeners and online commenters questioning why Cabot would advocate for more time for Gabriel so soon after Sanders’ breakthrough performance.

Flipping the Narrative: Fans Aren’t Buying It

Podcast host K Sap of Simply Ball Dropping didn’t hold back in his latest episode. “Mary Kay Cabot needs to be canceled—immediately—after the stuff she pulled on hype week leading up to Shedeur Sanders’ second NFL start,” he declared. Sap accused Cabot of “flip-flopping” on Sanders ever since he was drafted, and of trying to “put salt” on the rookie’s accomplishments.

The accusation is that Cabot, once a vocal supporter of Gabriel, has been inconsistent and even manipulative in her coverage, trying to control the narrative as Sanders’ star rises. “She tries to say good things about Shedeur Sanders now that he’s the starting quarterback, so she can say ‘I told you so,’” Sap argued. “But you can’t get away with the latest stunt you pulled.”

Fans Rally Behind Sanders

The reaction from the Browns fanbase has been overwhelming. Social media channels, podcasts, and comment sections are filled with calls to “cancel Mary Kay Cabot,” with many demanding that her media credentials be revoked. “She needs to be run up out of the Cleveland media,” Sap said, echoing the sentiments of countless fans.

For many, Cabot’s comments are seen as an attempt to undermine Sanders and disrupt the team’s newfound momentum. “What more could we possibly glean from Dylan Gabriel on the field?” Sap asked. “Sixteen quarterbacks failed to win their first start in 30 years, and now that Shedeur Sanders breaks that streak, you want to see more of Gabriel?”

Weathering the Storm: Sanders Stays Focused

Meanwhile, Sanders has remained unfazed by the media drama. As the Browns practiced in blizzard conditions ahead of the 49ers game, Sanders continued to impress with his composure and drive. “This is football,” Sap said. “It’s not going to change what Shedeur Sanders is going to do as a quarterback. Shedeur Sanders is him.”

The team’s energy has shifted, with players appearing more upbeat and engaged since Sanders took over under center. “They got a taste of victory and they want to keep that momentum going,” Sap observed. “But Mary Kay Cabot wants to throw water on it.”

The Media’s Role: Accountability and Objectivity

The controversy has reignited debates about the role of sports media in shaping public perception. Cabot’s critics accuse her of bias and of trying to protect head coach Kevin Stefanski, with whom she is frequently aligned in her reporting. “A lot of people think that Mary Kay Cabot and Kevin Stefanski are one and the same,” Sap said. “It’s downright diabolical the things she said during hype week.”

Others point out that Cabot’s coverage has been inconsistent, at times praising Sanders’ “elite ball placement” and “uncanny touch,” while simultaneously advocating for more reps for Gabriel. “Make it make sense,” Sap demanded. “Some of the things you’re saying now are off the wall.”

The Call for Change

The calls for Cabot’s cancellation are growing louder. “It’s time for the media to take Mary Kay Cabot’s credentials away for the outlandish and asinine things she has said in recent weeks,” Sap insisted. “She just wants to take opportunities away from Shedeur Sanders because right now, he’s comfortable, he’s found his stride, and it’s only up from here.”

Fans are demanding accountability, arguing that media figures should not be allowed to undermine players who are succeeding on the field. “They don’t want Shedeur Sanders to shine,” Sap said. “He’s got in a stride. His feet are wet now, and it’s only up from here.”

The Future: Will Cleveland Media Change?

As the Browns continue their season, the controversy surrounding Mary Kay Cabot serves as a reminder of the power—and responsibility—of sports media. With Sanders looking to build on his early success, fans are watching closely to see how the media narrative evolves.

For now, the message from Cleveland is clear: the city stands behind Shedeur Sanders, and it won’t tolerate attempts to diminish his achievements. Whether Cabot will weather the storm or be forced to step back remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts: A City United, A Reporter Divided

In the end, the story is bigger than one reporter—it’s about a city hungry for success, a team finding its identity, and a rookie quarterback who refuses to be distracted by controversy. As Sanders prepares for his next challenge, Cleveland is united in its support, ready to rally behind its new leader.

Will the media listen and embrace the momentum, or will old habits die hard? One thing’s certain: Shedeur Sanders is here to stay, and Browns fans won’t let anyone rain on their parade.

For more updates and fan reactions, subscribe to Simply Ball Dropping podcast and join the conversation as Cleveland’s football drama continues to unfold.