Me + the LA Times = ....
I had my appetite ruined on Saturday. It happened right after I read Melissa Rohlin's piece "Why this woman is a fan of basketball, but not the WNBA." It's hard to tell what's worse about the commentary: a) that the opinion offered was so antiquated and un-evolved; b) that a woman would go out of her way to hate on such accomplished professional women; or c) that the reality is, there are people who actually share such a sheltered view. (Link to article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/wnba/sparks/la-spw-rohlin20-2008sep20,0,7436798.story) Nevertheless, I can cosign on three sentiments conveyed by Ms. Rohlin: that the NBA does feature the best athletes and the highest level of basketball in the world, that women's sports receive far less media coverage than men's and that discussion is always healthy. Of course, those facts are as much of a news flash as word that an African American is running for president. What may not be common knowledge, however, is that the WNBA features the world's best women's basketball, which was proven by the fact that 26 medals were awarded to current and former WNBA players. And, contrary to Ms. Rohlin's opinion, many think the WNBA is entertaining. She would've known that had she looked beyond the 12 girls "trying out" for the team at her alma mater. Ratings, attendance and website traffic aren't up because it's boring. No offense to the caring progressives at ESPN, but the network didn't commit to pay millions for the right to exclusively televise WNBA games because it wants to, as Ms. Rohlin said, "support the cause." The WNBA, in its 12th year, is the longest-running, most-successful professional women's league in America because it IS entertaining. Taurasi and teammates after winning the gold medal in Beijing. Perhaps those like Ms. Rohlin who find us so boring are simply too close-minded to give the WNBA a chance, shackled by stereotypes, homophobia or an obsession with being accepted by men. Perhaps they aren't real basketball fans. That's what makes the premise of Ms. Rohlin's commentary so absurd. It's not even possible to be a basketball fan and not be at least somewhat entertained by the WNBA. Sure, you can be an NBA fan and not have interest in our league. But basketball fans, real basketball fans -- who see the game as more than dunks and athleticism and personalities -- can enjoy all levels of basketball without being herded toward it by big-budget commercials. Yes, even varsity games at Palisades High. Real basketball fans, like the NBA stars who watched our every game in Beijing, appreciate the game and its beauty, the athletes and their dedication, the competition and its intensity. Will many think the NBA is more entertaining? Of course. How that means the WNBA is NOT entertaining is beyond me. That's what is disappointing, that when it comes to the WNBA, some people, even women such as Ms. Rohlin, (who can probably see Russia from her porch) still can only regard our league as the NBA's kid sister. Where was the NBA in its 12th season? Furthermore, the idea that if it isn't the MOST watched or MOST marketed that it isn't worthy is unfairly applied to women's sports. Such a rationale belies not only an ingrained sexism, but ignorance over the fact that NBA versus the WNBA doesn't have to be an either/or conundrum: we have different seasons. Ms. Rohlin, are you a fan of college basketball, which doesn't feature Kobe Bryant or any of the world's best players? Is Serena Williams not entertaining because her serve isn't as fast as Andy Roddick's? Are you bored by sprint star Allyson Felix because women's 200-meter times haven't cracked the 20-second barrier like the men? What does Dara Torres mean to you? The WNBA is celebrating its 12th season because women's basketball is proven entertainment, the league where the world's best come to play, and it's growing. The WNBA set a record with 46 sellouts this season. National TV ratings increased 19% over last year. Jersey sales jumped 46%. Contrary to popular belief, men are watching the WNBA. Games on ESPN2 saw viewership among men ages 18-34 increase 28% (71% among women 18-34!). Attend a game and you'll regularly see NBA players sitting courtside. Oh, and that lone player from the 12 Palisades varsity hopefuls you found that actually watched the WNBA? She just happens to be the best player on the team, the 23rd ranked scorer in Los Angeles' City Section. It seems as if Ms. Rohlin and the L.A. Times are just late catching on. Fortunately, you still have a chance at redemption. I challenge anyone who calls themselves fans of basketball, or even just a fan of sport, to watch the 2008 playoffs. If you agreed with Ms. Rohlin, but teared up during the Olympics, pick a team and follow them through (Ms. Rohlin, I'll even get you some tickets to see it live. I already have Coach Brown bringing the Palisades team to the game Thursday). Or watch the WNBA Finals from start to finish. Media and sponsors? Lead the way and provide enhanced activation and coverage. I guarantee you will be entertained. -- Diana Taurasi Diana Taurasi is a three-time WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury.
- TAGS:
- Andy Roddick
- Kobe Bryant
- NBA
- NBA
- Tennis
- WNBA
TheOne33 said September 25, 2008
Tavis Lee Corleone
p.s.
Thats That-(Holla)
AlanaG said September 25, 2008
People say ignorant things all the time if you say you're a WNBA fan or that you enjoy watching games. But you know what, those people have almost never watched a game themselves. They think the WNBA is just a lesser version of the NBA, and maybe they are a little disenchanted with the NBA and so they think the WNBA will just be a crappy version of that disappointment. What they haven't experienced is watching players who give 110% effort EVERY game, or watching the beauty of teamwork. And if they've never been to a game in person, they don't know how fun of an outing it is, how the Mercury will let you run around the court during the Mercury Train timeout, how you can sit mad close to the court because tickets are a little more affordable.
It really disappoints me that for some reason the WNBA still suffers from this type of perception sometimes. Why is that the case in this country? Other nations embrace their women's leagues much more.
Well Dee, you keep educating the ignorant haters. And meanwhile know that you have a BIG fan base -- one that's growing!
Valencia said September 25, 2008
boogerking2 said September 25, 2008
Mattyboy said September 26, 2008
boogerking2 said September 26, 2008
tigernike23 replied September 26, 2008
hoopla said September 26, 2008
tigernike23 said September 26, 2008
Okay, back to basketball but before I'm done, I see something in common with Sarah Palin and this columnist. They're both ignorant, maybe even stupid. A good example of the WNBA, Ms. Rohlin need only to look up the West Coast to Seattle. They just lost their NBA franchise of 41 years, people still go to see the Storm. I'll go fly to Seattle next year to see a game, I'll put it on a credit card, HA! Credit! (inside joke)
I blame most of the interest or quote-unquote lack there of, on ESPN. I remember growing up when the NBA was on NBC, the WNBA was on NBC, Lifetime and ESPN. Now, only ESPN2 and ABC show the games, with the playoffs and Finals on ESPN2. Why? Why aren't they on broadcast television like just about every other sport? There in itself would gain more ratings. If you put a college game on the Big Ten Network, of course its gonna have bad ratings. Hell, put it in high definition! Getting back to ESPN, there is no WNBA show, very little shown on Sportscenter's part, even when Nancy Lieberman came out of retirement. They treat the World Series of Poker better than you guys.
For those that make fun of the empty seats, look at an average Dallas Mavericks home game. There are just as many empty seats as there are foreclosures in my neighborhood. With all due respect, in the places where attendance is a problem, why not play at a smaller venue? It looks a lot better than putting tarp over seats (Chicago). I remember reading a Deadspin article specifically about Mercury attendance. It took easily some of the cheapest shots I've ever read on a blog. It pretty much said all that show up for WNBA games are lesbians, dads with their daughters, and gay men. Well, I'm just one person, but is a straight guy watching the WNBA wrong? I just don't seem to understand the disconnect between people that like and dislike the league. It's pure ignorance. I'll go even further than you Dee, I challenge all sports columnists, watch Seattle Storm franchise. Watch and see how the city will support that team, without the Supersonics (RIP). That's love.
SmoovArt said September 26, 2008
AlanaG replied September 26, 2008
Dawg4Life said September 26, 2008
Graybear2012 said September 26, 2008
Graybear2012 replied September 30, 2008
rcs360 said September 26, 2008
A lot of people don't appreciate what these women do. They're highly talented athletes who deserve respect instead of harsh criticism just because they play. The WNBA will be around for a long time.
icsuf28 said September 25, 2008
allthewaynorth said September 26, 2008
Someone needs to get Rohlin fired or disconnect her internet at least - for the love of humanity!
So I hear your contract is up with Phoenix... how can you be enticed to come over to the dark side *cough* Seattle. There'd be records being set left, right and center with you and Sue running the courts :D Think about it! Seriously B)
Mandih23 replied September 26, 2008
allthewaynorth replied September 26, 2008
I'll try again in another 2 seasons time then :P in the meantime, it's cool - so long as future MVP sue is on the Storm :D
mercurylover replied September 29, 2008
Mandih23 replied September 30, 2008
I'm pretty sure she only signed a 3 yr contract. :(
Pinkpanthrrr said September 26, 2008
It sickens me when men intentionally set women up for failure so they can prove to themselves that men are superior. This particular woman is brainwashed by that rationale because men insist it to be true. She deserves to be challenged.
alimoore15 said September 26, 2008
kstylle said September 26, 2008
thatGAgirl said September 26, 2008
thatGAgirl said September 26, 2008
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/09/not-that-womens.html
*yawn*
SamMalone said September 26, 2008
overandback said September 26, 2008
When are you going to have your own show?
kpope0406 said September 26, 2008
an_nic said September 26, 2008
go_Dee said September 26, 2008
Nijeria05 said September 26, 2008
taurasi3fan3 said September 26, 2008
crystALLL said September 26, 2008
gderron said September 26, 2008
KatKat replied September 26, 2008
Get 'em Diana. Nice write up.
KatKat replied September 26, 2008
Pinkpanthrrr replied September 29, 2008
I hate when stupid people are able to publish things that are not true. That is what editors are for!
gderron replied September 26, 2008
KatKat replied September 29, 2008
KatKat replied September 29, 2008
gderron replied October 01, 2008
InMyHeart3 said September 26, 2008
es un poco absurdo jugar basket o ser un fan del baloncesto y no disfrutar de la WNBA o la NBA, ya que ambas muestran un muy buen nivel en este deporte.
Es más, si realmente amas el basquetbol te gusta hasta mirar como juegan los pequeños cuando aprenden, te gusta mirar partidos de todas categorias porque tu ves a los jugadores en su desempeño dentro de la cancha, vs el talento, ves como el ataque burla la defensa, no ves el sexo, no piensas si te cae mal algun personaje, solo disfrutas de algo que a ti te apasiona.
Un gusto tenerte de vuelta Diana, se Extrañaba tu presencia aquí, espero que estes disfrutando un poco de descanso aunque no sabes cuanto desearía poder seguir verlas jugando.
Un saludo desde Chile, esperando algun día estar estudiando y jugando en tu país. =)
InMyHeart3 said September 26, 2008
lo que ella practicamente quiere, o lo que le gusta es que es un juego mas rapido y hay mas volcadas...
en realidad a mi no me llaman mucho la atencion las volcadas aunque no las dejo de lado pero ... si supiera un poco mas de lo que habla, para una mujer saltar como un hombre no el lo mismo, es otra la composicion de nuetro cuerpo, y si ella es mujer y si jugo basketbol debe saberlo por el hecho de que no creo que ella la clave...
Además es juego en la WNBA si bien no es igual de rapido que el de los hombres es porque, como dijo una amiga "las mujeres somos mas de disfrutar las cosas" y en el basketbol pasa lo mismo, nos gusta jugar, buscar la mejor opción, utilizar el tiempo, gozar cuando tenemos el balon de nuestro lado... y eso ademas aprovecha de hacer del bsquetbol un juego mas de equipo.
Pero bueno... Siempre existiran personas con las que no concordaremos, y allá ella si no le gusta la WNBA porque tú Diana y todas las estrellas de la W seguiran jugando igual y mejor y conquistando a todas las demas personas que llenan los estadios. O como nosotras aqui en SUDAMERICA, intentando mirar el partido como sea, aunque tengamos que estar pegadas a la pantalla del computador 2 horas.
Saludos! Y....VIVA LA WNBA!
NikkiCole said September 26, 2008
STLnTDOT said September 27, 2008
THis is why my blog that I wrote last year about how YOU are the best thing in womens basketball still stands!
(http://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/THE_WNBA_NEEDS_HYPE/30533)
JLannd said September 27, 2008
Shaynerz said September 28, 2008
#1 Men do not like watching women clad in baggy, long shorts competing in contact sports. This image directly opposes the prototype of the feminine woman who is revered in today's society, and, as Sweet says, "Sports is a reflection of society."
my response~> according to her men do not like any woman in a t-shirt and jeans. I guess we have to all wear stilletos and mac make-up.
#2 A lot of young female basketball players also shy away from watching the WNBA because of its reputation of having a large homosexual fan base. Some heterosexual girls are afraid that they themselves will be considered gay if they associate with something reputed as gay. Unfortunately, this discourages many young women from watching and talking about a sport in which they would otherwise have interest
my response~> If you really love this sport you would pay attention to the game and not who's in the crowd. But she's still wrong, because i went to several Sparks games and there were a heck of alot of heterosexual families there.
Dee, its good that you responded. Too bad you lost your appetite over this nonsense!! Wnba is not going anywhere and true bball fans WILL WATCH.
bethlaurie said September 27, 2008
Floraocean said September 28, 2008
Oh,Diana, i went to see you in Beijing.What i wonderful night. You and your teanmates all did well. I'm proud of myself as a fan of yours.KEEP FIGHTING THEN!
In this article, you've pointed a really aculeated problem that generally exist.
I love WNBA but i cannot deny that i began with NBA.
At once, i fell in love with WNBA, i cannot help.
Both of WNBA and NBA are important to me.
asian_val said September 26, 2008
But back to subject, if you're a true basketball fan, you love the game itself, and you should not care who is playing the game, whether it's men's, women's or even disabled athletes and even despite of one's ethnicity. Why the heck would you devote your life to basketball and yet you're somewhat prejudice against women's basketball when Ms. Rohlin herself is a WOMAN? This demonstrates somewhat of a hubristic personality she has and no wonder she's just a freelance writer because all she can do is criticize. Talk is cheap.
Any sports fan should NEVER compare men and women because women are (again) as capable of conveying any sport or activity as the men, and vice versa. How dare she? Seriouisly.....
It's okay Dee, you, along with the rest of the WNBA, can prove everyone wrong. As soon as I graduate from high school in June, and finish college, hopefully I could acquire a job as a trainer for the Mercury and I'll help you fight and prove those oblivious individuals wrong. It's my dream to work with you.
This is off subject but since you went to Don Lugo High, I'm actually a senior at Twentynine Palms High School (De Anza League) and we went against your high school a couple times since I've been in high school. I find that fascinating lol.
I appreciate your time in reading my comment. I hope to hear from you soon!
I have you on my myspace too... =D
-Valerie
Twentynine Palms, CA
gstate5 said September 29, 2008
mercurylover said September 29, 2008
By the way, you should post your banjo video on here. Those hats are killer ;). I would but I am not that technically advanced!
Graybear2012 replied September 30, 2008
goodbyetonight said September 30, 2008
Graybear2012 said October 01, 2008
inSANEcrew said October 04, 2008
Some people shouldn't be allowed to breed. And those very same people shouldn't be allowed to exploit their constitutional right of free speech--or at least not get PAID for it.
Bigoted men who put down women (in sports, Hollywood, or anywhere) are one thing. But for a woman in a somewhat "visible" position putting down a sport based on the gender of the participants (especially when the participants are the same gender) is not just shameful but is also a reflection of the continual destruction of female empowerment.
No wonder our girls and young women beat themselves up for being "smaller", "more fragile", or not as "hard" as boys and young men. They not only have to deal with their own insecurity, but now they've got grown women writing articles about how their achievements aren't as valuable or entertaining.
As for the "gay" thing... Give. Me. A. Break. I started to hold back comment on this topic...but I absolutely have to say something (and thatGAgirl knows why). Last time I checked, who you take to bed doesn't have one thing to do with how you play ball. And if it did, I believe that Mr. Bryant would be out of his million dollar contract by now--yaknowwhatimean? In fact, if a person's sexuality affected the level of their ability to play a sport...especially if being gay made you better...I wouldn't be sitting here writing a comment on this senseless act of disgusting journalism. I'd be the single highest paid softball player this side of Pluto! Futhermore, in case Ms. What'sHerName is totally ignorant...there are fellas who play for the NBA who are gay, too. Why? Because they know that since it has nothing to do with how well they slam dunk and show-boat, they just don't bring it up.
The one point I do agree with, though, is the point about not wanting to watch the Spo--Sparks. As a fan of every other WNBA team except LA, watching an LA game is like enduring a two hour long ice cream headache!
Want me to watch the NBA? Put a salary cap on 'em that equals what the women earn, make them pass the ball, force them to fly on a commercial airline, have them give birth to a child and come back to play 2 months later, and fine them for acting like they work for the WWF! Then we'll talk.
NXTTAURASI3 said October 04, 2008
ONELOVEUSMC33 said December 03, 2008
cbenja3 said December 09, 2008