Alex Call Criticizes Sydney Sweeney Bet Ad During MLB Playoffs
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call publicly called for the removal of a controversial television commercial featuring actress Sydney Sweeney during Major League Baseball postseason broadcasts, describing the spot as soft-core pornography that forces parents into awkward conversations with young children. The advertisement, created for the sports betting platform Novig under the title “Just Sports,” features the 29-year-old actress posing without clothes while holding sports equipment in a dimly lit room, culminating in a shot where she holds two footballs against her chest.
The one-minute commercial first debuted in September, sparking immediate debate regarding the sexualization of female figures in sports marketing. The controversy intensified when networks began broadcasting the spot during high-profile MLB playoff games in October, prompting public pushback from players and families watching the postseason action.
Alex Call Demands Network Ban on X
Taking to social media platform X on a Wednesday, the 32-year-old Dodgers player directed his frustration toward the major broadcasters carrying the postseason games. “Can we please ban this soft-core porn commercial from playoff broadcasts, TBS, Fox, NBC, and MLB?” Call wrote on the platform. He added context regarding his family, noting that his young son—born in 2023 to Call and his wife Samantha—frequently watches games with him. “My son wants to watch baseball with Dad. But how do I explain that a half-naked woman could appear on the screen at any moment? Baseball is America’s national pastime. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about that.”
Dodgers outfielder Alex Call weighs in on Sydney Sweeney.@craigcartonlive takes it personally on behalf of American men everywhere. pic.twitter.com/EEpB8BCdT5
Novig Releases Second Provocative Commercial Spot
Despite the widespread backlash from viewers and parents following the initial broadcast, Novig and Sweeney released a second promotional spot. In the follow-up advertisement, the actress wears white undergarments while repeating the signature visual motif of holding two footballs to her body. Industry analysts note that the ongoing controversy has generated substantial public visibility for the betting platform, making a public retreat or apology from the brand or the actress unlikely.
Dodgers Postseason Exit Concludes October Schedule
The timing of the public critique coincided with the conclusion of the Dodgers’ postseason run. Call and the Los Angeles roster exited the National League postseason following a 4-0 sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in the best-of-seven series, leaving the outfielder with no further games to contest as the autumn baseball schedule pressed toward the World Series.
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