An ESPN producer recently made a peculiar and controversial claim about Meghan Markle, suggesting she was "obtainable" back in 2014, likening her to a rare collector's item that one might stumble upon by chance if lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
This comment emerged during a discussion on the Bill Simmons Podcast, where former ESPN host Ryan Rio recounted an anecdote about encountering Meghan at a celebrity flag football game that year. The event was packed with high-profile figures, including Sports Illustrated swimsuit models Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal, and Hannah Davis.
Rather than being captivated by the supermodels, Rio claimed his attention was drawn to Meghan. He reportedly thought, "Yeah, I can do this. She’s definitely in my lane." Despite the dazzling array of stars present, Rio perceived Meghan as the more "attainable" option. However, instead of approaching her directly at the event, he opted for a more calculated approach. Later, he sent her a direct message (DM), inviting her to appear on his show to promote the then-upcoming season of Suits, the legal drama in which Meghan starred. Rio emphasized that the invitation was professional, though he admitted it carried ulterior motives.
Meghan’s response, however, was less than enthusiastic. According to Rio, she replied with an icy, dismissive message: "Oh, I don’t know anything about sports, but thanks for the offer." This cold response reportedly left Rio empty-handed. Attempting to justify his remarks, Rio explained that his perspective was pragmatic. Surrounded by stunning women, he speculated that Meghan might have been doubting herself at that moment, making her, in his words, more "obtainable." Essentially, he suggested that while the supermodels seemed unattainable, Meghan appeared to be a more realistic match for someone like him.
For context, Meghan was attending the 2014 DirecTV Beach Bowl in New York City, a star-studded pre-Super Bowl event that featured celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Aaron Paul, and others. Meghan was in notable company, even posing for photos with Serena Williams and celebrating with Michael B. Jordan. The suggestion that she was "obtainable" feels particularly out of place given her high-profile presence at such an exclusive event.
Adding to the awkwardness, a video from the event surfaced showing Meghan enthusiastically greeting Michael B. Jordan, with arms outstretched and flailing, as he barely reacted and gently pushed her off with one hand. This moment raised questions about boundaries and appropriateness. Was it a friendly hug that went a bit too far, or did it cross a line? If not involving a close relative or significant other, such behavior can easily be misinterpreted as inappropriate.
Despite Rio’s claims, Meghan’s demeanor and presence at the event suggest she was far from lacking confidence or doubting herself. Surrounded by high-profile celebrities, she appeared fully in her element. Rio’s interpretation, therefore, seems both misguided and out of touch, painting him in an unflattering light.
Ironically, while Rio claimed Meghan knew little about sports, she later became a key figure in the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded veterans founded by her husband, Prince Harry. This underscores her ability to transcend boundaries and thrive in spaces where she wasn’t initially expected.
Ultimately, the entire situation underscores the problematic nature of Rio’s comments. Reducing Meghan to an "obtainable" option among a crowd of supermodels is not only dismissive but also perpetuates outdated notions about women and their value based on perceived attainability. For someone who has consistently proven her ability to navigate high-profile environments with grace and ambition, Meghan’s reaction to Rio’s overtures seems entirely justified.
