Savannah Bananas star responds to DWTS unfair advantage claims

Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson has clapped back at Dancing With the Stars fans who say his team's on-field dancing gives him an unfair advantage. In a July 23 Instagram skit, the 28-year-old joked that his goofy Banana moves are nowhere near ballroom-ready ahead of season 35.

Key Takeaways

• Jackson Olson, a Savannah Bananas player, addressed DWTS fans claiming he has an "unfair advantage."
• His July 23 Instagram comedy skit contrasted critics' claims with clips of his goofy on-field dances.
• Olson captioned the post that his first rehearsal "will be interesting."
• He previously sought advice from season 34 Mirrorball winner Robert Irwin.
• A Cosmopolitan report says DWTS producers see him as a potential breakout star.

Why do fans say Jackson Olson has an unfair advantage?

Some Dancing With the Stars fans argue Olson already dances for a living. The Savannah Bananas are famous for comedic bits and dances between plays, so critics say that background could give him a head start in the ballroom.

Olson, the team's second baseman, has become a viral face of that entertainment-first baseball brand. As celebrity breaking news around season 35 casting heats up, the "unfair advantage" debate followed him onto social media.

How did the Savannah Bananas star respond on Instagram?

Olson answered with humor, not a stiff denial. In a July 23 Instagram video, he staged a fake back-and-forth with critics while the iCarly track "The Joke Is On You" played in the background, according to Yahoo Entertainment's E! Online report.

Speaking as a skeptical viewer, he subtitled the jab: "But you kinda have an unfair advantage. Well you play for a dancing baseball team…you're already a dancer." He then cut to a montage of his silly Savannah Bananas dance moves to argue that style is a far cry from competitive ballroom.

His caption drove the joke home with a crying emoji: "Yeah so the first rehearsal will be interesting." The clapback framed Banana-field flair as entertainment, not waltz training for season 35.

What advice did Robert Irwin give Olson for DWTS?

Even while brushing off the advantage talk, Olson has his eye on the Mirrorball Trophy. He reached out to season 34 winner Robert Irwin for guidance before the new run.

In a May E! News interview, Irwin recalled telling Olson to lean on an athlete's mindset: "The most important thing is just let go and give yourself to the process." Irwin, who won with pro Witney Carson, added that fully leaning in "will change your life."

Separately, Cosmopolitan cited a source saying Disney and ABC are "totally enamored" with Olson and view him as a possible "next Robert Irwin"—a charismatic, wholesome standout they hope can go deep and open future hosting or acting doors. The same report noted he is dating Maggie Sajak, daughter of Pat Sajak, and that producers may spotlight that ABC-friendly couple dynamic.

For now, Olson's message to doubters is clear: Savannah Bananas silliness is not the same as mastering a foxtrot under the lights.