By David G. Firestone
So I was working on something this week, but I ran out of time. With that said, two separate social media incidents occured, that I want to talk about. First, we talk about NASCAR driver Daniel Dye. Daniel Dye is a name I’m vaugely familiar with, mainly from watching ARCA. He was a driver for Kauling Racing, but that’s come to a halt.
Danie Dye was suspended for mocking IndyCar driver David Malukas using what was term a “homophobic voice.” While as of the time of writing Malukas hasn’t responded, Dye has, in an apology that sounds like he had a professional write it for him.
“I want to first apologize to David Malukas. I recently went on a live stream with some friends and made some careless comments. I chose my words poorly, and I understand why it upset people. I’m sorry to anyone who was offended. That’s not how I want to represent myself.
I have some close friends in the LGBTQ+ community who I would never want to feel less of themselves because of what I said, and that’s exactly why I should hold myself to a higher standard. In talking with them, I realize that a true friend would know better than to act the way I did and for that I need to be a better friend. What I said doesn’t reflect how I feel about them or anyone else.
I didn’t think enough before I spoke, and I in no way meant any harm. I know that intention does not erase impact and I need to do better.
I’m taking this seriously and working on being more aware and respectful moving forward. I’m sorry to everyone I let down. I am committed to learning from this and better understanding that the impact that my decisions can have on others. That includes educating myself, listening to those affected, and taking meaningful steps to ensure my actions reflect respect and inclusivity going forward.
I know I’ve got a platform and a responsibility, and I need to use it better.
– Daniel Dye”
How this will affect Dye’s career going forward is uncertain. I will say that, in the year 2026, what you say and how you say it can and will come back to haunt you. Even if Dye thinks he was only doing a funny voice, it’s how others see you.
With that said, let’s talk about AEW star Ricochet. Ricochet is a wrestler who has wresteled all over the landscape, and currently wrestles in AEW. He has justifiably taken some serious flack for some postings on X. He’s always been kind of a douche, but this whole debacle has cemented it.
Ricochet can’t handle criticism on X, and he proved it. He targeted one specific account, which is run by a woman suffering with MS. In response to her criticisms, he posted “I’m glad you got MS.” The backlash was instant, and harsh. It seems like the whole wrestling community was against him. The heat got too hot and he issued an “apology” for his actions.
“I took out my hatred for the IWC on Sandi, and inadvertently others who are effected by MS. She didnt deserve it and for that, I sincerely apologize. Moving forward I’ll do better.”
Fans quickly and justifiably pointed out that he had been defending his actions hours before his apology, and that this was not the first time this happened.
Ricochet is one of the many wrestlers who need to learn how not to react on social media. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the spotlight. I don’t feel bad for him, he’s always been a dick on social media, but now he can’t hide behind anything anymore. I hope this will result in a suspensipn, but it might not.
Here’s the bottom line: What you post can come back to haunt you. Daniel Dye and Ricochet are the two latest examples, and tere will be more.
Sources Cited:
The Driver Suit Blog 
