Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call has publicly criticized Major League Baseball and its broadcast partners over sexually suggestive advertisements airing during the 2026 postseason. Call took to social media to express his frustration with a viral marketing campaign for the sports betting platform Novig, which features actress Sydney Sweeney in revealing attire during playoff broadcasts. The veteran outfielder questioned the appropriateness of running such commercials during family-friendly athletic coverage, sparking a widespread conversation among baseball fans and parents across the country.
Alex Call Slams MLB Broadcasts Over Inappropriate Ad Placements
The controversial advertisements aired across major networks including TBS, Fox, and NBC during high-stakes National League Championship Series matchups. Call raised his concerns directly on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking the league and television networks to remove softcore adult advertisements from national broadcasts. He emphasized that parents should not have to worry about inappropriate content coming on screen while watching America’s pastime with their young children. His social media post quickly gained traction among viewers who echoed similar concerns regarding the placement of adult-oriented commercials during prime-time family sports programming.
Call remains sidelined from the postseason action after the Dodgers opted to leave him off their official playoff roster against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 31-year-old outfielder joined Los Angeles during the regular season, posting a .233 batting average across 88 games while providing outfield depth. The Dodgers currently trail the Brewers two games to none in the best-of-seven series, leaving the team focused on mounting a championship comeback on the field. Meanwhile, Call has used his platform off the field to challenge league executives and network partners on broadcast standards.
“Can we please get the soft porn ads off playoff broadcasts? My son wants to watch baseball with Dada, but how do I justify that when a half-naked woman could come on screen anytime?? This is America’s Pastime. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about this.”
Neither Major League Baseball nor the featured broadcasting networks have issued formal statements regarding the advertising campaign or Call’s public comments. The commercial campaign continues to air as the postseason advances toward the World Series. Sports media analysts and fans will watch closely to see if network executives adjust their commercial guidelines or shift advertising slots for remaining playoff broadcasts as the league addresses viewer feedback.
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