I always thought this was a respectful use of the term 'stud'.
The word is used in a complimentary way all the time, especially in sports.
Really?
I've just finished watching a series in which the Mets swept the Phillies in 27 scoreless innings, with some pretty amazing pitching and fielding.
Apparently it's the first shutout series sweep for the team in 41 seasons.
I don't recall the announcers, who have been showering the Mets with praise and compliments, describing any of the players as "studs" or their play as "studlike" etc. That's about 12 hours worth of play and pre- and post-game commentary.
Again, it's a word that people use sarcastically - not as ingenuous praise.
I always thought this was a respectful use of the term 'stud'.