Sam Kerr is a 30-year-old Australian soccer player who plays for the Australian Women’s national team and the club team Chelsea. Throughout her life she has been one of the top role models to young girls, showing her overcoming social expectations and navigating her experiences as a child in sports— predominantly dominated by males. She is also viewed as an incredible teammate as she is uplifting and a positive person to be around. All of this has led her to be one of the most famous female athletes in the world and a global influence.

This all changed with the news coming out in early March 2024 that she was charged with police harassment after arguing a cab fare in Jan. 2023 in London. While many famous athletes have gotten in trouble with the law — even the most beloved — this case is different. In the alleged encounter, Kerr was in a dispute with a British police officer where she called the officer a “stupid white bastard.” She is now being charged with racially harassing the officer and using a racial slur. Some believe what she said was acceptable, while others are outraged and feel what she did was awful.

The question is brought up again of whether or not she is a good influence for female youth. She can be celebrated for her achievements and her hard work to get to where she is, but her flaws have to be understood as well. Her situation is eerily similar to Kobe Byrant as he was one of the most beloved athletes on the planet when in 2003 Kobe was accused of sexually assaulting a 19 year old. This situation with Kobe is rarely remembered but this little infraction could damage Kerr’s reputation. His reputation also took a massive hit, but in the long run we all know Kobe is back to being viewed as one of the best role models for youth. What Kerr does next will determine how she is viewed and remembered.

She has gone from an international icon and a hero to a controversial celebrity that many feel shouldn’t be celebrated. She has severely hurt her legacy by showing her morals and what type of person she is off the soccer field. As for the comment itself that she made, it was insensitive and is not acceptable to be making to anyone, especially law enforcement. I don’t think it’s the worst thing she could’ve said, but it is not okay and she shouldn’t be viewed as a positive influence.

Since the allegations came to light in the media many have been providing their opinions via social media that she is racist and an awful person. The battle has also gone political as liberals are furious with her and feel she is a terrible role model. Conservatives believe that this is another case of Liberal hypocrisy of trying to cancel anyone that they don’t like. Many also find it controversial as whether this is another example of “anti white racism” as many have dubbed it.

I don’t think it was racist by calling the officer the race that he was, but it isn’t okay to call the officer a bastard no matter the situation. In today’s world there is so much made about what’s racist and what’s not. I think that there’s a difference between using a racial slur to insult someone’s race and insulting someone while also mentioning their race. I think Kerr used the former which doesn’t excuse the comment, but I don’t believe she used a racial slur against the officer and should be viewed as a racist. There are also those saying that she was merely standing up for what she believes in which I disagree with as well. Standing up for what she believed in could be speaking out against injustice and having a civil conversation. She decided to insult the officer and make a poor decision in a tense moment that only worsened the situation.

Kerr’s image has been completely reformed due to these allegations and it’s unclear whether it will ever go back to what it was before. I would say that it will improve in time, but many will still remember this incident and blemish on her legacy and not forgive her for her actions. She has pleaded not guilty and her trial is set for Feb. 1 2025 in London.