- MLB. Pete Alonso's future is up in the air because of Juan Soto
- MLB. Luis Severino has agreed to with the Athletics and has already signed a three-year, $67 million deal
Athletes in the spotlight often face scrutiny beyond their performances, especially when their personal lives intertwine with their professional careers. Paul Skenes, rookie pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and boyfriend of gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne, found himself in the crosshairs of social media after announcing a charitable pledge. What should have been a celebratory moment-a $575,000 matching donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation-became fodder for fans, who turned his generous act into an internet punchline.
Skenes' announcement came via Gary Sinise himself as part of Giving Tuesday, an initiative designed to amplify charitable causes. The foundation, dedicated to ing veterans and their families, received a significant boost thanks to Skenes' commitment. This pledge, coupled with his high-profile connection to Dunne, seemed poised to spotlight the positive impact of athletes using their wealth for good. Instead, online communities, including Reddit, turned their attention to Skenes' relationship with Dunne, teasing his involvement as an extension of her financial success.
Comments ranged from lighthearted jokes to outright roasting. One Redditor quipped, "His gf is also the second-highest paid collegiate athlete too... He can bum some lunch money off of her ." The jab referenced Dunne's former NIL ranking, where she briefly held the number two spot among collegiate athletes, before sliding to fourth behind Arch Manning and Travis Hunter. Despite the jokes, Dunne's $4.2 million NIL valuation still places her firmly among the elite earners in college sports, highlighting her continued influence even as her gymnastics career winds down.
Skenes, meanwhile, is no financial slouch. Selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, he earned a record-breaking $9.2 million g bonus-the largest ever in MLB history. Paired with a $740,000 base salary, Skenes' rookie season net worth is estimated near $10 million. With an impressive 10-2 record and 2.10 ERA in his first season, his earning potential in arbitration and free agency is expected to soar, potentially rivaling Dunne's earning power in the near future.
A shift in expectations for athletes
The mockery wasn't entirely malicious. For every detractor, there were fans praising Skenes' philanthropy. One commenter exclaimed, "What a fu**ing BRO! Awesome, Skenes!!!" These polarized reactions underscore a broader conversation about the evolving expectations placed on athletes. Modern sports icons are increasingly scrutinized not just for their on-field accomplishments but also for how they leverage their platforms to drive social change.
Skenes' gesture wasn't just about fulfilling a pledge; it marked a growing trend of athletes engaging in philanthropy. High-profile examples include LeBron James'"I PROMISE" school initiative and Serena Williams' equity investments in underrepresented communities. Fans now expect their sports heroes to be role models both in the game and in the world.
Beyond the teasing
While the jokes might sting, Skenes' involvement with the Gary Sinise Foundation brings attention to a critical cause. The foundation, lauded for its work ing veterans, benefits immensely from high-profile partnerships like Skenes'. For veterans and their families, such financial translates into real-world benefits like adapted homes, mental health resources, and community programs.
Both Skenes and Dunne are reshaping the narrative around athletes in their respective fields. As they navigate public scrutiny and online commentary, their focus on giving back and maintaining excellence in their sports remains their strongest defense. Whether fans are laughing with them or at them, one thing is clear: their impact extends far beyond the field and the gym.