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The WNBA’s Real MVP A’ja Wilson Has A Back-To-Reality Message For Caitlin Clark and Her Fans 

While Caitlin Clark continues to get credit for elevating women’s basketball to another marketability realm, A’ja Wilson, the two-time WNBA champion, who also has won two of the last four league MVP awards, continues to do her work on and off the court to elevate the sport across the board, not just for one chosen player. 

Wilson doesn’t see Clark’s ascension or arrival into the WNBA as a threat to her position or stature. She lets the journalists, and the think piece writers address the fact that she doesn’t have a shoe deal like white players Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Elena Della Donne or Breanna Stewart, who was the 2023 League MVP.  

In the meantime, Wilson recently spent her energy being a great ambassador for the sport, as she’s been since bringing Dawn Staley and South Carolina its first national championship in 2017 and then entering the WNBA as the first overall pick in 2018. 

Wilson has undoubtedly touched and inspired hundred of thousands of young aspiring ballers. 

WNBA Star A’ja Wilson Addressed Caitlin Clark Effect At TIME 100 Summit

Speaking at the 2024 TIME 100 Summit on Wednesday — alongside author, entrepreneur, activist a fellow Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad — Wilson said the impact that Clark has had on the sport and the attention her presence is inspiring — both positive and negative — has been “kind of amazing” to see.

Wilson is embracing the moment, not feeling overlooked or undervalued. Honestly, she says, she is just hoping “that this isn’t just a trend,” and that the rising interest in women’s hoops that made Cailtin Clark and Angel Reese jerseys sell out in a matter of hours, will carry over to the WNBA. 

“We see this a lot with young athletes,” the two-time MVP said. “Like, ‘Oh my god, we love her!’ And then the minute it kind of shifts or her path is a little rocky, all that goes away.”

Wilson is probably reflecting on her own path in a way. She is a leading face of the WNBA and the best player on the league’s latest dynasty. Her reputation around the league and across pro sports is solid. Her popularity with the casual fan is still a work in progress. 

Despite her legendary accomplishments, the average male sports fan never heard of A’ja Wilson and that’s a sad, but true, state of affairs. So, Wilson understands that eyes on Clark, mean eyes on all of the elite players in the league, especially when they meet for the first time in competition.

Wilson also understands how the entire league, including herself, can benefit from this moment. 

A’ja Wilson Hopes Caitlin Clark Effect Will Bring More Fans and Sponsors To WNBA

The 27-year-old five-time All-Star is hoping this current craze will create a sustainable growth and new fans of Clark, Reese, whoever, will stick around and pass their love for the game and the characters of the game down through the generations. 

Clark’s presence doesn’t take anything away from the Black women who have built the league.

“I hope that anyone who’s invested and pays attention to it, continues to invest in it,” Wilson said. “Buy that jersey. Go to that game. Take someone else. Put your money where your mouth is and invest in these women.”

When asked about the recent NIL craze, Wilson, who would have definitely been a million-dollar NIL baller in college if the new rules were in place when she played, also commented on the major bags top college athletes are raking in and how important it is for student-athletes to be able to leverage their personal brands. 

On the flip side, Wilson noted the potential dangers and damage that lucrative NIL deals in college could have on the pro league, where salaries currently don’t compare to what an elite college player can make collaborating with various brands. 

A’Ja Wilson Plays For The Honor Of Being One Of Just 144 WNBA Players In World

For that to not be a problem, Wilson says the $76,000 salary that Clark is pulling in will have to increase significantly as the league brings in more sponsors and investors. 

While people go crazy about money and branding deals, Wilson brings up a great point. The money is just one aspect of why she even plays the game. She always had a dream of going pro. Fringe fans can criticize the WNBA all they want, but there’s only 12 teams and 144 women in that league. It is one of the most competitive, selective and exclusive clubs in all of pro sports. 

You can’t buy that kind of respect, accolades or impact. 

“I feel like we saw that this year. A lot of people were like ‘Oh my god, why would you go pro when you’re making this much?'” Wilson said. “And it’s like, that’s the whole point. Hopefully those investors, those sponsors, can continue to help you grow at the next level.”

While Clark continues to drive the ship and be the wind that is blowing women’s basketball in an upward direction, it will take a collective effort by all of the superstars of the WNBA to continue to push the game, person by person, venue by venue and bucket by bucket.

Clark’s overnight success doesn’t mean sustained success for the WNBA. Wilson recognizes that and continues to represent the heart of the game and the glorious tradition of women’s hoops in this country. 

There’s no price tag on that.

WNBA Star Who Scored 113 Points In A Game Retires With Several Accomplishments Caitlin Clark Will Never Reach 

If you grew up loving New York hoops and the incredible talent that was once gushing from the boys and girls public school system into the early 2000s, then the name Epiphanny Prince rings bells, especially in Brooklyn and Manhattan, where she once scored 113 points in a high school basketball game as an explosive guard for Murry Bergtraum High School, located in Lower Manhattan, but sitting adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall. 

Caitlin Clark never did that. 

With Clark and this recent band of celebrity women basketball players being credited with putting the women’s game on the map, ushering in a new era in the WNBA and a new chapter in the history of women’s sports dating back to Title IX in 1972, we always have to give props to the originators.

In the past 50 years leading up to this fulfilling moment, there have been pioneers, superstars and record-breakers whose accomplishments were the only reason why anyone even knew their names. There was no social media to build a following. Just legendary games, word-of-mouth stories and newspaper clippings that made you do a double take. 

Dropping 113 points in a high school game will get you some recognition, especially when you break a girls’ national prep record previously held by Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller. That legendary moment in 2006 drove Prince to Rutgers, where she starred under the great Vivan Stringer, learning discipline, teamwork, leadership and defensive principles to complement her scoring prowess. 

Prince Leaves Rutgers Early

Prince is a pioneer in that she was one of the first women players to challenge the system and leave college early to chase the bag as a pro, skipping her senior year, playing turn professional, skipping her senior year. She played in Europe for a year before getting drafted in the WNBA.

According to The New York Times, Prince was only 10 credits from earning a degree in criminal justice and African-American studies and planned to complete her degree during the summer of 2009. 

Once she signed with Wasserman Media Group, her eligibility was terminated and she was free to get paid to play, joining Russian team Spartak Moscow, then Turkish team Botaş Spor, before becoming the fourth overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft.

Caitlin Clark never did that. 

Prince went on to the WNBA and played 14 seasons. 

NY Hoops Legend Retires 

The 36-year-old guard announced her retirement this week. She exits the game with career averages of 10.7 points, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals in 315 career games with the Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm and New York Liberty.

The 5-foot-9 explosive guard made two All-Star appearances during her five seasons in Chicago. Her peak season saw her average a career-best 18.1 points in 2012.

Prince, a native New Yorker, who honed her skills on the playgrounds of the concrete jungle, played for the Liberty twice, including leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 2015. She then went to Seattle, helping the Storm win the 2020 WNBA title. She returned home last season to end her career with New York.

Related: Sue, Stewie, Seattle, Storm Las Vegas Aces, Two Hall of Famers Too Much (theshadowleague.com)

“I have been fortunate to have a long career filled with unforgettable memories,” Prince wrote in an Instagram post. “A lot of winning, ups and downs, traveling the world, and meeting so many amazing people.”

Prince Has An Historic Overseas Legacy

Prince has a lasting legacy overseas as well. One that fewer players will duplicate as million-dollar NIL deals and higher WNBA salaries are surely on the horizon for the elite and most captivating women’s players, which will hopefully keep them playing in the United States year-round.

How much do you think Prince would have been worth in NIL, rising out of New York City after dropping triple-digit points in a game? 

Instead, she needed to eat, so she spent many of her offseasons playing overseas, including in Russia. She played for the Russian national team in 2013 and 2015 as the country tried to qualify for the world championships and Olympics. The Russians didn’t make either tournament.

Caitlin Clark hasn’t made her reputation in international play yet. Team USA has been moving mountains to get Clark on the 14-person roster, as she was playing for Iowa in the NCAA Tournament during the tryouts. 

So that’s one more accomplishment that Prince has, that Clark is yet to achieve. OR may never do so. 

Prince Hired By NY Liberty 

A day after announcing her retirement, Prince, the hometown hero, got a job working with the New York Liberty as director of player and community engagement.

Prince will serve on the basketball operations and business staff. 

“I’m very excited about my new role with the Liberty,” Prince said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to work with the coaching staff, players, and everyone in this great organization.

Caitlin Clark has a way to go before she can impact the game in the manner Epiphanny Prince has. Not comparing one to the other, just acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for Clark and others to be received by the world in this manner. 

There was a lot of work done in the dark, laying the groundwork for the future, success bucket by bucket, challenge by challenge, accomplishment by accomplishment. 

Prince was one of those unsung heroes of women’s hoops that we will find out more about.

Journalist Blasts Caucasity Of Caitlin Clark’s $28M Shoe Deal, While Collab Queen Angel Reese Shows Off New $183,000 Mercedes-Benz

With 17 NIL deals, almost 3 million online followers and being one of the most anticipated rookies in WNBA history, Angel Reese wasted no time spending some of her pro bag by copping a brand-new Mercedes-Benz after the Chicago Sky selected her with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft earlier this month.

The former LSU All-American forward and Reebok poster child became a pioneer in the NIL era, reaching a valuation of $1.8 million. 

WNBA salaries might only be in the $75,000 range for rookies, but Reese enters the league with a bag of her own.

She unveiled the spoils of her colossal college achievements, including winning Most Outstanding Player while leading LSU to a National Championship in 2023 over Iowa and Caitlin Clark.

Angel Reese Cops New $183,000 Benz Truck After Draft

The 6-foot-3 post player, now known as “Chi Barbie,” (according to a recent IG post) unveiled her AMG G-Class SUV in a post on her Instagram Story while in Illinois on Tuesday. She will be cruising the streets of her new city, Chi-Town, in style.

The luxury vehicle features Nappa leather red interior and black rims, with a starting price of $183,000, per Mercedes-Benz.

“New city. New beginnings. New big body Barbie Benz,” Reese captioned the post, tagging Champion Motoring in San Diego, CalifOrnia, which has worked with a number of pro athletes.

Being a celebrity and burgeoning brand has its perks. Reese didn’t simply use her money to buy Benzo. The walking double-double, who will team with South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso to form the WNBA’s version of the “Twin Towers” signed an NIL deal with Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge, and initially Reese worked with Mercedes-Benz to get her first car in the NIL era, received ahead of her 21st birthday in May 2023.

That was a sports car.

Reese stepped it up with this latest purchase.

“Getting my dream car at 21 in my new favorite city,” she wrote in a post on TikTok that featured her behind the wheel while her teacup Yorkie, Tiago, sat in the passenger’s seat.

As previously mentioned, despite Caitlin Clark’s historic $28 million deal with Nike, Reese is probably the brand collab queen of women’s hoops with a total of 17 different NIL deals, according to a March 2023 report by Sponsor United, which includes ZOA Energy drink, Raising Cane’s, Coach, PlayStation, McDonald’s, Wingstop, Outback Steakhouse and Amazon.

Mike Freeman Calls Out WNBA For Unequal Treatment Of White and Black WNBA Players

So while some journalists and Black voices argue that the money, attention and superstar treatment companies are lining up to throw at Caitlin Clark is unfair and a product of systematic disparities when it comes to race and wealth in this country, Reese isn’t complaining, and she also knows that slow and steady wins the race. 

USA today reporter Mike Freeman says the WNBA isn’t treating black and white players equally.

“The fact that only white women hold the power of the signature shoe now, as the WNBA enters its most high profile and prosperous phase, shows how black women are being ignored in a league that they dominate,” he said.

Freeman argued that it was unfair that players like Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson, who is Black, doesn’t have her own shoe.

“Wilson is one of the greatest stars of our time. Any athlete of her caliber should already have a signature shoe. It is the order of things. In fact, it should have happened years ago,” Freeman said.

WNBA Players With Shoe Deals Have Traditionally Been Black

Caitlin Clark is one instance. The fact that the other three players who currently have signature shoes are also white could be purely coincidental. Especially, when you consider Freeman’s point that up until recently, almost every player who had a signature in the WNBA was Black.

“There’ve only been 12 players in the history of the WNBA with their own signature shoe. In the past, almost every signature shoe from 1995-2011 belonged to a black woman,” he said.

Some would take offense to Freeman’s implication that the players who do own signature shoe deals are inferior to the Black ones that don’t. Again, he never said Clark didn’t deserve hers, and we all know that getting deals and endorsements has a lot to do with the individual athlete’s marketing and management team and how they market and enhance that player’s public and corporate value. 

This could very well be a race issue, but Angle Reese isn’t sweating it.

There’s more than enough money to go around and the pot is getting bigger for those who can capitalize on it.

Reese continues to cultivate her social media following and connect with people and start to embrace her new fans, while others complain.

20 Years After Malice At the Palace, Nikola Jokic’s Brother Should Be Banned From NBA Playoffs | When Does It Stop?

Emotions ran high on Monday night in Denver, Colorado, as the Los Angeles Lakers and defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets played one of the best playoff games in league history.

The Nuggets displayed their grit and championship mettle overcoming a 20-point lead to win 101-99 on star guard Jamal Murray’s walk-off fadeaway jumper over Lakers star Anthony Davis.

While the intensity was certainly high on the courts, it seems that things also became pretty testy in the stands at Ball Arena.

That’s where the older brother (Strahinja) of Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic punched a fan. Things escalated to the point that Nikola’s wife and Strahinja’s sister-in-law had to help get him under control. The older Jokic brothers are adamant defenders and protectors of their younger superstar brother, but they gotta chill, someone is going to end up suing Nikola because of them. 

It’s often the brothers of the star these days, who bring shame to the family name. Many have nothing to offer other than bloviating to reporters and being overly aggressive towards others to prove their worth. They often forget that they’re not the superstar.

Strahinja Jokic Should Be Banned From NBA Playoffs

November 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Malice At The Palace.

The event, a brawl in which Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson ran into the crowd and punched fans during a game between the Pacers and Pistons. What resulted was a massive fracas in which players and fans threw punches, chairs, and sodas.

As with all incidents of this matter, the NBA is investigating and making sure they have all the details before revealing their next steps.

It’s clear that there should be some punishment for Strahinja because his brother is too important to the league for him to be fighting in the stands. That’s not really how we do it here and since Malice in the Palace, the NBA doesn’t want any instigators, especially family members of opposing players.

The League has to put its foot down and ban Joker’s brother from the remainder of the playoffs and possibly next season.

We all want aggressive basketball on the court. Even fights, that stay on the court. But we don’t need the crowds getting incited like we are at an international soccer game or an Las Vegas Raiders football game.

The Denver Police media relations unit, they issued the following statement on the matter. 

“At this time, no one has come forward as a victim of this incident,” the email read. “The Department is looking into this incident, is actively working to identify the person in the video who was struck and encourages anyone who was involved or witnessed this firsthand to contact the Denver Police Department.”

The video clearly shows Jokic’s brother attacking another fan, but that fan has yet to come forward as the one who was struck. This isn’t the Jokic brothers’ first rodeo in heated encounters with other fans and even some players. 

Jokic Brothers Are Trained To Go

While Nikola is the mild younger brother, his two older brothers served in the Serbian military, and have no problem engaging in fisticuffs.

In 2021 they created a Twitter account to trade verbal jabs with then Miami Heat forward Markieff Morris who got into it with Nikola during a game, and after he delivered a cheap shot the two-time MVP did the same, injuring Morris. While Morris threatened retaliation on sight when the two would meet again, Nikola’s brothers let it be known that they’d join in if necessary. 

That never came to fruition as cooler heads prevailed. But the Jokic brothers’ wild moments at Nuggets games don’t stop there.

During last season Western Conference semifinals matchup against the Phoenix Suns, both brothers had to be restrained from running onto the court when Jokic got into it with Suns star Devin Booker.

This is who they are, and while they are their brother’s keeper, if they aren’t careful they’re gonna have their very rich baby brother coughing up some major dough in a lawsuit.

“He Hasn’t Stolen Anything” | NBA Players Jealous Of Rudy Gobert’s $205M Contract Voted Him League’s Most Overrated Player and GF Julia Bonilla Doesn’t Like It

Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert is the odds-on favorite to win his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year. That would tie him with Basketball Hall of Famers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace for the most all-time.

Despite Gobert’s sustained NBA success, he’s been labeled the most overrated player.

A recent anonymous NBA player poll which asked 142 players their opinions on things like “Who’s the GOAT?” “Who’s the MVP?” amongst other things.

NBA Players Vote Rudy Gobert Most Overrated

But when they were asked, who the most overrated player was, 13.6 percent chose Rudy Gobert, who beat out Washington Wizards guard and NBA champion Jordan Poole and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young for tops in the poll.

It’s not the first time Gobert has been dubbed overrated. NBA legend and four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal has long said this about Gobert. 

During a podcast episode with former NBA player Mario Chalmers back in March, Shaq said Gobert is an overrated defender.

“I never thought he was a great defend player either,” O’Neal said. “See what it is, there’s not a lot of centers that are making him play defense. Like he’s not doing that sh-t against Joker cuz he’s got to be engaged. But when he’s going up against another guy, he’s 7-6, of course, if you lay it up, he’s going to block it. But defense to me is guard the guy and shut him down. You want to impress me? Hold Joker under 15 points. All that weak side blocking shots, that’s cool. But it’s not going to work against guys like me, Joker and Embiid.”

Gobert’s Partner, Julia Bonilla Comes To His Defense

Gobert probably couldn’t care less about that poll when you consider he’s in the fourth year of a five-year, $205 million deal that pays him roughly $41 million per season. But the poll seemed to bother Gobert’s partner Julia Bonilla, who took to Instagram to defend her beau. 

“My partner is the most dedicated, focused, hard-working person I have ever met,” Bonilla said. “He hasn’t stolen anything from anyone and deserves all the respect for his determination and commitment to his career.”

Bonilla mentioning that Gobert hasn’t stolen anything is in response to O’Neal’s constant chatter about him stealing checks because of his offensive numbers. 

Recently, even former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins, who’s now relegated to playing in Taiwan, called out Gobert saying this on “Bully Ball” podcast:

“You can’t have a potential four-time DPOY that doesn’t finish games.” 

Cousins as well as Shaq’s opinions are just that, and as much they talk about Gobert, when have they ever anchored teams that ranked first overall in defensive efficiency. That’s what Gobert has done in both Utah and Minnesota. 

Gobert Recently Revealed Deep-Rooted Family Troubles

With this being the latest attack on Gobert and his impact on the rising Timberwolves, it wasn’t long ago that he revealed that he was racially discriminated against as a baby by his own family.

In an interview with ‘The Players Tribune,’ Gobert told the story of being born to a Black father and French mom, and how some members of his mom’s family made her choose either him or them. Of course she chose her son, but the hurt is still there, as evinced in how he shed light on that history. 

To some Gobert may be overrated, but his teams have a 439-318 record with him on the floor, and that speaks volumes. He also helped his young T-Wolves take a 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Suns by putting in 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the Game 2 win on Tuesday.

Haley Van Lith Is Finally Being Greedy | Won’t Confirm TCU Transfer, Could Get Better Offer After Leading Team USA 3×3 Women’s Team To Paris Gold

As her teammates and players she was considered to be entering the 2024 WNBA draft with prior to her season at LSU elevate to the WNBA and are showered with brand collaborations and daily media praise, former LSU guard Hailey Van Lith reportedly transferred to TCU. 

However, the sharp-shooting guard, who bolted from Kim Mulkey’s program after an inconsistent season that saw her struggle to adapt to a new point guard role, says pump your brakes. 

Van Lith is reportedly very close to making a decision on where to play her final year of NCAA eligibility but hasn’t decided yet. 

This latest development is in stark contradiction to multiple reports from reputable media sources last week that claimed Van Lith committed to the Horned Frogs.

The guard, who averaged 11.6 points, 2,4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, walked back her supposed commitment during an interview with Doug Feinberg of The Associated Press over the weekend.

“I did take a visit to TCU and am very interested in them, but I took visits to other schools and was very interested in them, too. I haven’t made an official commitment, but I’m very close. The ink has not touched the paper for any school,” Van Lith said to Feinberg.

Van Lith Has Sights Set On 3×3 Team Paris Olympics

According to reports, Van Lith is in no hurry to make a decision because she still has commitments on campus and her focus is on earning a spot on the United States’ 3X3 team for the Paris Olympics. 

That is the priority right now, as she won’t have to be at her next school until late in the summer. 

For the first time in history Team USA is sending men’s and women’s teams. So Van Lith could be a part of history. 

Van Lith Has Been In 3×3 Competition Under Jennifer Rizzotti Before

Van Lith will be under the leadership of former college hoops star Jennifer Rizzott,i who has made a name for herself as coach for Team USA in the 3×3 realm. 

“Jen has been involved with our junior national teams, women’s national team and now 3×3,” said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball CEO. “(Her) leadership and involvement in 3×3 are a testament to their dedication to USA Basketball players and programs.” 

According to Team USA, Rizzotti, who is also current president of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, led Cameron Brink, Van Lith, Linnae Harper and Cierra Burdick earn hardware in Vienna, Austria, at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in June. 

Nearly four months later, the 2011 USA Basketball Coach of the Year snagged another gold medal, this time as head coach of the 2023 3×3 Women’s Pan American Team in Santiago, Chile.  

She hit the trifecta with a third gold on a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the 2023 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup.

So, Van Lith will be very busy if she is chosen for the team. When she does arrive at TCU (if it’s still TCU) it would be just as social media and NIL queen Haley Cavinder decided to leave TCU for Miami. 

Van Lith has been on the low since getting torched for 41 points by Caitlin Clark in LSU’s Final Four loss to Iowa. 

Both her and Mulkey admitted that it was best for her to leave. Mulkey’s intentions when Van Lith transferred from a program where she had the green light as a shooter to a system that ran through Angel Reese were to give Van Lith the point guard skills she needed to be able to play at the next level. 

The experiment didn’t work, and, on top of that, LSU was embroiled in a social media circus and drama on and off the court the entire season as Angel Reese and Flau’Jae Johnson’s celebrity overshadowed the rest of the program.  

If Van Lith can make the 3×3 squad and excel, her transfer pool could explode, and she could be looking at a nice NIL bag.

“Do You Know Who My Daddy Is?” | Former Security Guard Accuses Deion Sanders Of Tampering With Evidence In Criminal Case Involving Shilo Sanders

In a shocking turn of events, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has been accused of stealing evidence in an attempt to save his son, Shilo Sanders, from criminal proceedings in an assault and battery case involving John Darjean, a former New York Yankees baseball prospect.

Darjean, who went on to become a high school baseball coach and security officer at the successor to Prime Prep Academy, Focus Learning Academy, has alleged that Coach Prime tampered with evidence to help Shilo evade assault and battery charges back in 2015 when he was a teenager in high school.

Was Shilo Sanders A Bully In High School?

According to Darjean, the incident occurred when Darjean tried to prevent Shilo from using his phone during school hours, which was a rules violation. It was an explosive end to a day, he alleges, that Shilo was terrorizing students and disrupting classes.

Something happened between Darjean attempting to enforce the rules, Shilo insisting on calling his mother and the altercation that ensued, which allegedly led to the security guard being hospitalized and in need of surgery.

If you haven’t heard of this story, it’s now resurfacing because Darjean was recently interviewed by Black Twitter public enemy No. 1 Jason Whitlock on “Fearless.” 

Deion Admits To Stealing Evidence Crucial to Son’s Criminal Case

Darjean says the NFL Hall of Famer and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach stole video evidence that was crucial to his case and admitted to it in a deposition. He also says Shilo was “one of the roughest and toughest” kids in the school, always getting into it and causing problems. The opposite of Shedeur, who Darjean described as “very different.”

“We were under investigation. And then he [Deion] calls the IT guy, said, ‘I need you to take all the videos, then I get it. Go take the videos.’ So that’s how he got his hands on the video,” Darjean told Whitlock.

Darjean continues: “So now guess what? We had videos of Shilo shooting dice and we had videos of alternate angles. So if you look at the video that we have, it only shows me pinning Shilo up against the glass and taking him down. What about the other videos? One, two, three, four different video cameras that we don’t have access to. Deion got rid of those. He got rid of those and now we didn’t have them for court.”

Darjean Wins $12 Million Legal Judgement For Assault At Focus Learning Academy

The 2016 personal injury case once litigated, led to an eight-figure legal judgement against Deion Sanders’ family including his son, Shilo, after an assault at the successor to Prime Prep Academy, Focus Learning Academy.

The incident would leave Darjean permanently disabled and financially impaired, despite winning a nearly $12 million settlement from the Sanders family. The attack left Darjean in the hospital for multiple days and required significant medical care, including spinal surgery.

The incident with Shilo Sanders cost medical providers more than $115,000 in medical care for Darjean at the time, and per court documents, made it difficult for Darjean to maintain gainful employment due to neurological injuries and damage to his cervical spine.

If Shilo was wilding out like Darjean says, Sanders needed to be sued. Nobody deserves to go to work and get attacked by a spoiled kid with emotional issues. Darjean paints a picture of a kid who was emotionally in shambles, hated his father and wanted to be with his mom.

Darjean said for over an hour, all you can hear is Shilo saying, “Mama, I hate this school. Come get me.”

Deion and Pillar Having Custody Issues Post Divorce

Deion allegedly begged “in Jesus name” for Darjean to grab the phone from Shilo, because his mom was allegedly recording the conversation. Sanders and Pilar Biggar divorced after 12 years of marriage. They have three kids together: Shilo, Shedeur, and Shelomi Sanders.

It appears that the break was roughest for Shilo.

Once the situation escalated to a physical confrontation with a minor, the guard is perceived to be in the wrong, but he made a point of acknowledging that by law, security officers are allowed to defend themselves once physically attacked.

Darjean says the exchange escalated as he attempted to transport Shilo to the principal’s office and then the in-school suspension department.

Shilo Uses Deion To Threaten School Security’s Job

According to Darjean, Shilo says:

“Do you know who my daddy is? My daddy is Deion Sanders, we took over the school and my daddy run this if you take me to the principal’s office, this might be your last time working here you might lose your job. “

Shilo continued to be uncooperative and Darjean claims Shilo says that he “hates” his dad.

Whatever was going on it was talking its toll on Shilo and he was acting out.

Darjean won the settlement and will probably never get the total justice he’s looking for but, in a world, where Deion Sanders and his family can do no wrong, Whitlock found an opportunity to bring this resolved matter back into the spotlight.

WNBA’s Merchandise Shortage Must End! League Is Missing Exploding Revenue Source Generated By Arrival Of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

This Caitlin Clark Effect is still going strong. Whether you think its overkill or enjoy basking in the glory of the new women’s basketball savior, everybody has an opinion on the new batch of women superheroes who are invading the WNBA next season. 

NBA players would from time to time, attend WNBA games to support the players, particularly if there was a WNBA franchise in the same city. Most times, it was a call to duty on the part of the NBA players. 

Starting next season, however, WNBA games will be the place to be, especially for those franchises lucky enough to have Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese as their headliners.  

NBA Players Love Caitlin Clark

In a recent survey conducted by The Athletic, NBA players voted Clark as their second favorite current non-NBA player, and their favorite women’s basketball player. Women hoopers were collectively named on 12.2% of all ballots. 

This was second only to NFL players, who dominated the poll with 39.1% of the vote.

Clark’s position as the second most popular non-NBA athlete, accrued 6.1% of 115 votes cast, providing further insight into the meteoric rise of women’s basketball as a popular brand. 

Clark’s unprecedented appeal continues to build on the heels of her historic eight-year, $28 million Nike deal, which made her just the third women’s basketball player to get a shoe deal with the apparel giant.

“She’s unreal,” said one NBA player said about Clark “I’m excited to see how her journey pans out and what she does for the women’s game.”

The poll, which ran from March 5 through April 11, saw participation from 142 NBA players, representing nearly a third of the league.

Caitlin Clark Has Top-Selling Jersey Ever For Fanatics

It’s definitely the Caitlin Clark show. She’s officially made it cool to rock WNBA jerseys. Clark’s jersey sold out on Fanatics shortly after the inevitable occurred and the Indiana Fever made her the No. 1 overall pick. Fanatics said it was the top-selling jersey ever for a draft pick. That’s kind of crazy. 

Not to be overshadowed by Clark Mania, Angel Reese and her millions of social media followers cleaned out her stock of Chicago Sky jerseys over the weekend. 

“My jersey already being sold [out] is crazy,” Reese wrote. “I love yalllll.”

The team also unveiled a sky-blue “Rebel” jersey last week, that will surely be popular if the W can get this mass production ramped up.

WNBA Jersey Shortages Are Nothing New  

Whenever there’s an increase in demand, sometimes companies don’t have the production speed to keep up with the growing demand. WNBA merchandise has always been understocked and, to be honest, undervalued and largely inaccessible to fans.

It’s not surprising that Clark and Reese jerseys sold out right away, but what’s disappointing is that the league and its distributors didn’t have the foresight to keep the shelves stocked and capitalize on this peak of popularity and marketability.

The shortage of WNBA apparel has been a longstanding complaint of WNBA fans and players. One that the league is slow in addressing. To put it simply; they are leaving a lot of money on the table. 

It will be interesting to see how the WNBA handles this explosion in popularity of several players that has already influenced the league with cities changing to larger venues to accommodate the crowd that is already buying up tickets and selling out venues to see certain WNBA superheroes play.

Chicago Sky Has History Of Merch Shortages

The 6-foot-3 Reese and 6-foot-7 teammate Kamilla Cardoso enter the W with a fan base that transcends basketball. Both were 2024 draft picks of the Chicago Sky and have already been anointed the “Twin Towers” on social media.

The Sky traditionally has had merchandise problems, which was highlighted in a 2021 article by The Athletic, when the W, was celebrating its 25th anniversary season and a Sky championship season.

Candace Parker jerseys were in high demand and when fans can’t get their hands on merchandise when the player is hot and the moment is ripe, then the WNBA definitely loses on all fronts. 

According to the Athletic:

“It’s a frequent problem at Sky games, where there’s only one small kiosk in the arena selling limited Sky merchandise and nothing with hometown favorite Parker’s name on it. The cashier told fans they’ve been sold out of most jerseys since April and won’t have more available, even online, until the winter holiday season — long after the WNBA season ends.”

There are also nightmare stories of some fans having to wait up to four months after ordering a jersey online. 

“It’s a small number but big for the brand because it helps you grow,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Athletic. “That’s more important than the numbers. The brand part of it out-sizes the revenue.”

Englebert is right. Brand reliability, consistency and integrity creates fans for life. The W has been very inconsistent in all three areas as it pertains to merchandise across the league.

How Much Does WNBA Make In Merchandising?

The league hasn’t disclosed how much team and league apparel, and merchandise generates annually in revenue, but overall WNBA revenue in recent years has been estimated at $60 million with merch likely bringing in less than $10 million per year.

The popularity of the orange WNBA hoodie in 2020 was popularized by social media influencers which also boosted sales.

In the recent NBA player’s poll, Clark wasn’t the only women’s basketball player mentioned. 

Other stars such as Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Reese, JuJu Watkins and A’ja Wilson also received mentions. 

With Clark departing from the college hoops spotlight, the vacuum should be immediately filled by USC sophomore Watkins. One NBA player was especially fond of her game and impact saying:

“Her game is so pretty to watch. She’s so fluid, smooth. … watching her against UConn the other night, she definitely made a big fan out of me.”

The swift jersey sales indicate the exploding popularity of incoming WNBA stars, but the development also demonstrates a gaping hole of lost revenue with the manufacturers’ inability to keep a sufficient supply of merchandise.

That’s one area of revenue that the WNBA hasn’t attacked, and it had to see this coming and needs to be ready to capitalize on it. Anything less would be an incredible disaster. Limited merch has frustrated WNBA fans for years, so this could provide a loud call to action.

Dak Prescott Should Leave Dallas Cowboys After This Season | He’s Disrespected and Held To A Higher Standard Than Any Quarterback In The NFL

The Dallas Cowboys are at another moment in history when Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott will play tug-of-war for the bag. 

Dak Prescott is headed into the final season of the four-year, $160 million contract he signed in 2021 and is coming off a season where he was second in the MVP voting and a second-team All-NFL player. 

But he’s only got two playoff wins to show for it, which is why Jones was reluctant to give Dak the contract he gave him in 2021. Jones was expecting a Super Bowl to be delivered in that time frame and, frankly, Dak hasn’t come close. 

It was rumored that Jones was looking to draft Jalen Hurts as insurance back in 2020, with a contract for Prescott unresolved and the draft approaching. This is a similar situation and although most people believe that Dak has Jerry and the Cowboys backed against a wall, Dallas won’t just hand him $300M without exploring all options in this draft class. 

Ok Then, Make Another Dak

Prescott clearly feels that despite his playoff failures, Dallas isn’t going to find a QB who is as productive as he is in the regular season — and the playoffs are always a toss up. To get to a Super Bowl in the first place, requires a franchise quarterback who can win 11 or 12 games and position you to be a contender. 

Dak told reporters that talks on a new contract have not begun yet, and he is taking it in stride, saying “I’m not going to say I fear being here or not” 

There’s this saying in life that you should always go where you’re wanted. In the case of Dak Prescott and Dallas, no matter what he accomplishes, there are is a legion of fans who don’t want him there anymore and when it’s time for him to get paid, management always drags its feet as a reminder that even if they pay him, it’s because they have to and not because they feel he’s earned it. 

Dak Should Tell Dallas Cowboys, “Peace Out”

If that’s the case, then maybe Dak needs to tell the Cowboys to kiss him where the sun don’t shine and move on. The cat-and-mouse game has got to go. There are rumors that Dak isn’t happy that Dallas hasn’t commenced contract talks, but Prescott says he will be fine either way.  

“I don’t fear either situation, to be candid with you. I love this game. I love to play and better myself as a player and my teammates around me,” Prescott told reporters. “Right now, it’s with the Dallas Cowboys, it’s where I want to be, that’s where I am and that’s my focus. After this season, we’ll see where we are at and if the future holds that … if not we’ll go from there.” 

Dak Prescott is self aware when it comes to longterm contract talks with the #Cowboys

When asked if he wants to be paid top QB money he responded with:

"No, I'm not trying to be the highest paid necessarily. We'll wait until the negotiations begin and obviously want to put this… pic.twitter.com/Oh4yWFnw5R

— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 22, 2024

On Monday’s “First Take” segment, Stephen A. Smith said that Dak’s apathy concerning his situation implies that Dallas should start looking to draft his replacement. 

“Their attitude should be about making sure they find a replacement for Prescott, who’s been a starter for eight years,” Smith said.

Guest host Dan Orlovsky disagreed, reasoning that drafting a quarterback would be like waving a white flag on the era and giving up. 

Nothing wrong with conducting business, but it always seems like when it comes to the Cowboys, the business supersedes actual winning. Prescott is a masterful contract negotiator and really good at manipulating the media, as is Jones. Neither has been great in the big moment, on the big stage, when it’s time to cash in the chips and make the right choice or the right read. 

They deserve each other in that both seem to love the drama and not feel bad when they fail to deliver on their promises. 

Prescott needs to just leave after this season, because if he fails to win a championship again Jones is going to hold it over his head in contract negotiations. Foot to fire, Dak probably doesn’t want to go to any other team because you won’t find many QB jobs as prestigious as leading America’s team. This is where Jones always has the leverage. He feels like anybody he puts in a Cowboys uniform behind center becomes an overnight star. It’s the brand. 

Prescott loves the attention he gets from being Cowboys quarterback, but at a certain point you have to go where you are appreciated and where the pressure to win isn’t always at 100. 

After this season, Prescott might want to really consider telling Cowboys to kick rocks and daring them to find another quarterback who can do better than he has.

Ailments To Joel Embiid, Greek Freak and Damian Lillard Have Opened Lane for Knicks To Advance To Eastern Conference Finals

The New York Knicks have made it out of basketball’s abyss and are officially into the mix as Eastern Conference contenders. It’s been a long road back to optimism and opportunity for the Madison Square Garden-dwellers.

Since winning the division in 2012-13 behind Melo and Amare Stoudemire, James Dolan’s franchise has been a running joke in NBA circles. 

The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series. The Knicks lead 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.

Can Knicks Advance To Eastern Conference Finals?

That’s right. The New York Knicks look headed for a run to the Eastern Conference Finals led by former Villanova stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and a band of hard-nosed ballers who utilize defense to create offensive opportunities.

The Knicks are feeling good, and in position to shock the NBA. Rising to the No 2 seed in the East was enough of an accomplishment for these new Knicks. With injuries affecting various stars of the NBA, it has opened up a window for the Knicks to advance to the Conference Finals. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo is ailing, and a Herculean effort was needed by ‘Dame Time’ Lillard (35 first half points) for the Milwaukee Bucks to post a convincing 109-94 victory in Game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs.

Greek Freak Is Ailing

Giannis has been dealing with a variety of ailments, including a left calf injury which sidelined him for the Game 1 win. He has reportedly been moving and doing light shooting but the date of his return is unknown. 

Who knows what physical shape he will be in when he does return? The Pacers might even be able to take advantage of Giannis’ absence as the series continues. Especially if they can stretch it to seven games and he still isn’t back. 

The Knicks wouldn’t mind playing the Indiana Pacers or a Milwaukee Bucks without their best player. Any way you slice it, it’s an advantage for a Knicks team that has been playing without Julius Randall but continues to ride their best player in Jalen Brunson. 

Joel Embiid Is Ailing

Why would we prematurely be jumping to the next round with the Knicks facing the 2023 MVP Joel Embiid and the underrated seventh-seed Sixers? 

Per usual, Embiid’s health is an issue and he’s been listed as questionable after hurting his left leg Saturday night. Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters Embiid is feeling “pretty good.”

Embiid hurt his leg, landing awkwardly after a dazzling dunk, where he threw the ball to himself off the backboard, swarmed by three defenders, caught it and flushed it. 

The 2023 MVP has only played 39 games this season and missed nearly two months after having left meniscus surgery Feb. 6. He still appears to be limited, short of the dominant player who dropped 70 just before his injury.

It was a scary moment for Philly fans, but Embiid did return and tried his best, but who knows how effective he will be for the remainder of this series? The Knicks are definitely the favorites to win it at this point. 

Basketball Gods Are Smiling Upon Knicks

Shunned in the past by LeBron James and other high-profile free agents, the franchise ushered in the Phil Jackson and Carmelo Anthony era. Save for some exciting scoring moments and a few playoff appearances, those teams fell miserably short of the intended championship goal. 

They landed Kristaps Porzingis in the 2015 draft and he blossomed into an All-Star cornerstone piece until he tore his ACL in February 2018, had a riff with the front office and never played for New York, subsequently being traded away the following season.

If the Knicks advance past Philadelphia in the NBA playoffs and continue to win games, they might be meeting Porzingis’ Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals. 

Can you believe it?

If you don’t think the basketball gods have already proved their allegiance to this Knicks team, Tyrese Maxey, who is a finalist for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, missed shootaround Monday morning with an illness. He’s also listed as questionable.

Maxey is the Sixers’ second-best player, but most important, especially with Embiid hobbled, he is counted on to provide 30-point explosions. With either player out, advantage Knicks. With Maxey out, the Knicks should take a 2-0 lead in the series heading back to Philly for Game 3 on April 25. 

Leon Rose NBA Executive of the Year?

Knicks president Leon Rose, a former agent who at one time represented Allen Iverson and LeBron James, has finally won the fans over after some concern when he was first hired. Knicks fans had come to be pessimistic and the public opinion about Knicks management and especially ownership was at an all-time low, due to several embarrassing incidents between owner James Dolan, fans and former Knicks legends.

Rose came in and did a masterful job at constructing a winning roster this offseason, making effective moves, bringing in Donte DiVincenzo off the scrap heap and getting OG Anunoby. His maneuvering has put him in contention for the 2024 Executive of the Year award. 

Everything is falling right for the Knicks, who have given New York basketball fans a reason to get into the championship spirit again. It would be beyond a long shot if the Knicks did advance to the NBA championship. Boston is still the clear favorite, especially with Milwaukee facing injury uncertainty. 

But the basketball mojo is back in Mecca. The Garden was indeed packed, and the stars were out. Regardless of what happens in these playoffs, the Knicks are relevant again.

“I Just Don’t Want To Play For Clicks” | Former Five-Star Recruit Cormani McClain Takes Shot at Deion Sanders and Colorado Buffaloes Following Transfer

When Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes swooped and got former five-star commit Cormani McClain to flip from Miami during the 2023 early signing period, the belief was he would team with Travis Hunter to form one of the nation’s top cornerback duos.

Cormani McClain Didn’t Pan Out

That never came to fruition with McClain never really holding up his end of the deal. There were grumblings about McClain’s attitude, lack of focus and lack of effort on many occasions.

The 2023 No. 1 ranked cornerback didn’t even see the field for the Buffaloes until Week 6, and even then it was met with great trepidation.

When 2024 spring football practice got underway McClain was nowhere to be found, and despite coaches saying all the right things, the writing was on the wall.

The relationship between McClain and the Buffaloes had run its course, so all we were waiting for was the announcement that he’d entered the transfer portal. 

McClain Announces He’s Entering The Portal, Shades Coach Prime

Last week when McClain announced he was leaving Colorado, he made sure to exclude Deion Sanders in his exit letter.

This after telling Well Off Media at CU’s Pro Day that he’s “not transferring.” Just about a month later McClain had a change of heart and jettisoned from scenic Boulder in a flash.

Why Did Cormani McClain Leave Colorado?

Since his announcement, speculation has swirled as to what caused him to depart Colorado, and playing for arguably the greatest cornerback ever. 

On Saturday, McClain took to YouTube in an attempt to shed some light on why he left. 

“I feel like I just don’t wanna play for clicks,” McClain said. “I actually want to be involved with a great leading program that’s going to develop players.” 

Sounds like a shot at Coach Prime and his very noticeable and highly exposed program. In fact, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said the same thing prior to his team handing the Buffaloes their first loss last season (42-6) after a surprising (3-0) start.

But, something tells me it’s more to it than that with McClain, who was one of the players Coach Prime has repeatedly called out for not attending classes, team meetings and other things that they’re required to do as student-athletes on full scholarship. 

Deion Wishes McClain Well

An unbothered Coach Prime sounded relieved that he doesn’t have to continue to try to get McClain to do the right thing.

In an interview via DNVR Buffs, Sanders had this to say:

“I’m always in prayer for our young men and I want the best for them. I pray to God that he goes to a program that challenges him, as well as holds him accountable and develops him as a young man. Unfortunately, we weren’t the program that could accomplish that. So, prayerfully, he understands that this is his second go-round and gets it. Go get it, man. He has a tremendous amount of talent, but he has to want it.”

Where To Next For McClain? 

There’s reportedly been no shortage of suitors for the talented press-man cornerback, with the likes of LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Auburn, Texas A&M, USC, UCLA, Georgia, Florida, USF and UCF all reaching out. 

‘Y’all Give Her Passes Cause She Oprah’s Friend’ | Stephen Jackson Is Holding Gayle King Accountable For “Demeaning” Dawn Staley

Gayle King is still catching heat from leading voices on Black X/Twitter for her comments in a recent interview with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, who won her third national championship over growing legend Caitlin Clark and Iowa.

“We were all cheering for Iowa and Caitlin Clark but for so many people you’ve got their heart,” Clark said to Staley after asking if she was nervous down the stretch of the championship game.

Stephen Jackson Claims Gayle King Demeaned Dawn Staley

King’s comments set fans off like when she blindsided Lisa Leslie about Kobe’s past legal issues after he had died tragically. 

The venom came from King suggesting that “we” were rooting for Caitlin Clark, which in the opinion of many, was absolutely one-sided and false.

The fact that King said it to another Black woman who’s accomplishing historic feats, further rubbed some folks the wrong way. 

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson of the award-winning podcast “All the Smoke” responded to King’s exchange with Staley.

“Gayle King is supposed to be somebody that’s big in the journalism space, right? Well I don’t consider her Black media,” Jackson said in video he uploaded to social media.

“Y’all give her all these passes because she’s Oprah’s friend. I don’t give a F whose friend she is. You cannot demean Dawn Staley like that,” he continued. “You talking to her about winning the championship. About going undefeated and you have the nerve to get on there and say ‘We was rooting for Caitlin Clark and you [Staley] broke everybody’s heart?”

“Who’s we? Who’s we? All the Black people I know was rooting for Dawn Staley … We all fans of Caitlin Clark but the way you put it that sh*t was trash,” Jackson added.

Stephen Jackson Responds To Jason Whitlock 

He also went at Uncle Ruckus, aka Jason Whitlock, for saying that the only reason why Jackson rooted for Dawn Staley is because she’s Black. 

Jackson had to set the record straight that he’s been a Dawn Staley fan for a long time dating back to his rookie season in the NBA. 

“What number did I wear my rookie year?” Jackson asked. “No. 24” 

Stephen Jackson Wore No. 24 NBA Rookie Season: Dawn Staley Fan

No. 24 was Staley’s number during her legendary college career at Virginia back in the ’90s where she was a three-time Losak All-American. When she got to the WNBA, she wore No. 5 with the Charlotte Sting and became a five-time All-Star before blossoming into one of the elite coaches of our era. 

“The sad part is you can’t go a day without hating on Black people,” Jackson said to Whitlock. 

Who Is We?

King and Whitlock are similar in that they don’t decide their allegiances based on race and that’s probably the point they both were making in their own way.

King’s lack of sports knowledge came out in her question to Staley. Of course, the mainstream crowd was rooting for Caitlin Clark because that’s all they really know about women’s hoops.

There was also a large contingent of people not rooting against Clark, but for a coach and player who is a legend and continues to do amazing things on the court and in developing young women for life. 

Caitlin Clark continues to be a lightning rod, drawing opinions from everyone from journalists to celebrities to sitting presidents. Whatever the case, Stak5 was not trying to hear any Dawn Staley bashing.

New Sheriff: Anthony Edwards Blew Out His Idol In Game 1 and Then Rubbed It In Because Kevin Durant Is Second-Best Player In Series

With Minnesota Vikings superstar receiverJustin Jefferson courtside, the hometown Timberwolves blew out (120-95) the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their highly-anticipated Western Conference first-round playoff series. In the game Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards once again showed why he’s so highly regarded as one of the next ones around the league. 

Anthony Edwards Draws Jordan Comparisons Again

The supremely athletic and dynamic former No. 1 overall pick went for a game-high 33 points (including 18 in the third quarter) nine rebounds and six assists. The performance was so good that ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins dubbed Edwards the “1989 version of Michael Jordan” for getting it done on both ends. Strong words from Perk, who’s been known for his shock value.

Yes Edwards has shown flashes of a young MJ, but he’s no Michael Jeffrey Jordan, even on his best day and Jordan’s worst.

Edwards Jaws At His Favorite Player

In the heat of battle, Edwards made sure to let his favorite player of all time know he’s here to stay.

After hitting a step-back three over Durant, Edwards made sure to tell his childhood idol about it.

It was all in good fun as KD, who went for 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting, laughed and gave it back to Edwards. When asked what he said during his postgame interview, Edwards was pretty coy about his exact words. But he did say this.

“I think everybody here knows that’s my favorite player of all time, so that was probably one of the best feelings ever in my whole life.”

Edwards has long idolized KD, and while he respects him immensely, he’s also looking to send he and his team packing. He’s also looking to prove that he’s arrived as a top shooting guard, facing the two guys most consider to be the two best in the league in Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. In fact, Beal’s comments following the Suns’ blowout win in the team’s season finale matchup seemed to light a fire under the Wolves. 

Beal Calling Out T-Wolves Lack Of Effort Played A Role In Saturday’s Result

In wake of last Sunday’s regular-season finale matchup, Beal’s comments to Wolves head coach Chris Finch didn’t sit well with Edwards and his teammates, and Edwards told reporters this on Saturday.

“Beal said, he told our coach that he don’t think we play hard enough. And he was right. And Finchy didn’t like that, and he came in the next day and was like, ‘You got guys on the other team telling me y’all don’t play hard enough for me.”

That wasn’t the case on Sunday as the intensity and effort was there from the start, as the Wolves outrebounded the Suns 52-28 including 13-3 on the offensive glass. They also held them to 32 percent from three and 44 percent shooting overall. Their No. 1-ranked defense was in full attack mode, holding the Suns to just 44 points after halftime. 

Edwards kept it all in stride saying he knows it’s only one game, and it’s the first team to four. But the way his team played Saturday is a definite confidence-booster going forward. 

“It Was Stupid” | Shelomi Sanders Entering Transfer Portal Against Dad Deion Sanders’ Wishes To Get Early Jump On Colorado Exodus?

As Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders continues to prepare his team for next week’s annual spring game, and the upcoming season, he’s also got some other things going on. Late last week it was announced that his youngest daughter Shelomi who played on the women’s basketball team this season, decided to enter the transfer portal. 

It will be her second consecutive year transferring following her transfer from Jackson State to Colorado with her legendary father and brothers Shedeur, and Shilo in December 2022. Shelomi’s decision to once again search for the right fit doesn’t have the blessing of her HOF dad. In retrospect it seems like the former two-star recruit could be getting a jump start on her brothers going pro and their HOF dad possibly leaving Colorado. 

Deion Calls Move Stupid

Coach Prime has never been one to hold his tongue, and speaking to DNVR on Wednesday, he was blunt about his daughter’s decision.

“It was stupid. You don’t enter the portal. You go get a team before you enter the portal. You kinda get a team before you enter the portal. You know, that’s what I would advIse a child. And I know, “Well it’s illegal”…. C’mon, man.”

Sounds like Shelomi didn’t seek advice or counsel from her dad, and if she did it didn’t stop her from doing it her way. Maybe she’s setting herself up to be where she wants to be for the duration of her college career, especially with brothers Shedeur and Shilo turning pro, and Deion possibly leaving for an NFL gig. 

While it’s all speculation and pretty far fetched at the moment, so was Deion getting the Colorado job when he did. It wasn’t expected for sure. 

Where Could Shelomi Go? 

Playing at Colorado a Sweet 16 program who blew out defending champion LSU to open the 2023-24 season wasn’t really a good move for Shelomi. Her size and skill set just aren’t up to Power Five snuff, in fact she had a much better chance to make an impact at the HBCU-level where she began her collegiate career. 

Going back to an HBCU would be good for her development and that’s more her speed, the diminutive guard only played in five games this past season. 

Don’t Blame Michael Porter Jr. If He Plays Bad | Rough Week For Nuggets Star; One Brother Gets Lifetime NBA Ban, Another Sentenced To Six Years In Prison

The storylines about defending champion Denver Nuggets preparing to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Saturday, are definitely in abundance.

It’s a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals won by the Nuggets in a (4-0) sweep.

In that series and throughout the playoffs, Nuggets sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr., displayed the impact team brass expected him to have when they drafted him 14th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. 

Injuries derailed MPJ’s growth for the first couple years of his career but the 6-foot-10 marksman has played 61 games in 2022-23 and 81 games this season, both career-highs.

As the Nuggets prepare to defend their NBA title, MPJ’s size (seven rebounds per game), scoring (17 points per game) shooting (48/40/84) and newfound play making ability (nearly three assists per game) are gonna be crucial for them. What will be interesting in this series is how MPJ handles all the negativity that currently surrounds his family. 

For the Nuggets and their fans the belief is MPJ will be the all important third scorer for the team behind stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. If MPJ can block out what’s occurred this week as it pertains to his younger brothers, in all honesty it’d be amazing. 

Earlier this week MPJ’s brother Jontay a reserve for the Toronto Raptors was banned for life from the league for gambling, and helping bettors win by disclosing confidential information to bettors and also limiting his participation in certain games. In wake of the lifetime ban NBA commissioner Adam Silver who’d only given that steep a punishment to former LA Clippers Donald Sterling said this ….

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our game rules are being met with the most severe punishment.”

MPJ’s Other Brother Sentenced To Six Years in Prison

As if that wasn’t enough, on Friday MPJ’s other brother, 22-year-old Coban was sentenced to six years in prison in the Colorado Department of Corrections for fatally killing a woman while driving drunk. 

A remorseful Coban told the court and the victim’s family that he’d never gotten behind the wheel drunk, and the one time he did, he killed a woman. 

“It wasn’t an accident,” he told the court. “I chose to drink and chose to drive home. I didn’t mean to hurt her. I hope you know that.”

“Nothing I say is going to change anything I did – or make any of you feel better. All I can really say is that I’m sorry,” he said. “I hope whatever comes with sentencing — it brings you all a little peace.”

Just like MPJ and Jontay, Coban also played basketball, the 6-foot-5 guard last played for the Denver Pioneers in 2021-22 averaging nearly 12 points, four rebounds and nearly 42 percent shooting from the three-point line in his freshman and lone season with the program.

Considering all this MPJ could pack it in, but if he’s like most athletes the hardwood will likely be a safe haven. Meaning the Nuggets could get the guy they’ve seen all season, but if they don’t how could anyone blame him. 

Top 5 African-American Shortstops In MLB History | Mookie Betts Might Be No. 1 When It’s All Said And Done

Los Angeles Dodgers franchise player Mookie Betts tied his career high with five hits, doubling twice and driving in two runs to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals earlier this week.

Mookie has always been remarkable; he won an MVP and World Series with the Red Sox and then came to the Dodgers and won the World Series and he’s been getting close to becoming the second player in MLB history (Frank Robinson as first) to win the award in both leagues. 

An outfielder, the majority of his MLB career, Betts made the unprecedented step of moving to the infield this season, first as the starting second baseman and then as the shortstop. 

He’s hitting a sizzling .369 and top five in the league in all offensive categories. Once thought of as one of the best outfielders ever, Mookie has a chance to become one of the Mount Rushmore shortstops as well, if he keeps this up. 

Speaking of Black shortstops, here’s TSL’s Top 5 All-Time 

1. Ernie Banks – Mr. Cub is probably the greatest African-American shortstop to grace the MLB diamond. Banks not only set the standard for black shortstops, but he was the first true power-hitting shortstop in MLB. Banks was A-Rod before A-Rod, an icon who changed the game by providing uncanny power at a position previously reserved for slap hitters.

Banks played 19 years for a losing Cubs franchise and was Wrigley Field’s only bright spot for two decades as he clubbed 512 career homers. In his prime from 1957-1960, averaged a .293 batting average, 44 HR, 123 RBI and won back-to-back NL MVP awards in ’58 and ’59.

A true legend and pioneer of the game.

2. Derek Jeter– “El Capitan” is one of the greatest winners MLB has ever seen. He was the Captain and clutch catalyst for a Yankees Dynasty that won five World Series rings between 1996 and 2009 and lived in the postseason.

Jeter, a 14-time All-Star, is the Yankees all-time hits leader with a whopping 3,465. He has a .310 career batting average and has won five Gold Gloves. His stats are Hall of Fame worthy, but don’t begin to tell the story of his marketing and cultural impact as the flawless face of baseball for 20 years. He lead the Yankees to the top of the sports landscape by performing at his best in the biggest moments. Ice in the veins should be Jeters middle name.

He is arguably the greatest postseason hitter of all time, with a career .308 BA, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 18 SB line in 158 postseason games, earning the name “Mr. November.”

And he’s still blessing the Yankees even as President and Soul controller of the Miami Marlins.

3. Barry Larkin – He was a Black Knight in beast mode as the premier National League shortstop of the 1990s. Larkin was a consistent offensive boss and formidable glove for an inconsistent Cincinnati Reds lineup. He was elected to the All-Star team every year from 1988-2000, winning eight Silver Slugger awards during that span.

Larkin, who played every one of his 19 seasons with the Reds, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012, with a .295 career average, 2,340 hits, 1,329 runs scored and 379 stolen bases. Larkin scored at least 80 runs in a season seven times, hit 30-plus doubles in six seasons, and stole 30-or-more bases five times. He won his three Gold Glove awards at shortstop en route to a career fielding percentage of .975 and won nine Silver Slugger awards.

Larkin won a World Series in 1990 and then did something that Jeter couldn’t accomplish when he took home NL MVP honors in 1995.

4. Ozzie Smith – The Wizard is simply the greatest defensive infielder in MLB history and his 43.4 career defensive WAR is the best by any player at the position. Even with the defensive metrics on smash, his .978 fielding percentage and 13 Gold Gloves support his claim to the title of glove king.

Smith is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime talent that you would never understand based on numbers. He was truly a magician with the glove. He was also a huge personality in the game and understood the essence of entertainment as he began each game with his patented backflip.

Smith had artistry, flair, and athletic superiority that put him in another stratosphere. His fielding was so good that people often dogged him for his hitting, which is not shabby at all. Smith had a .262 career average and 2,460 hits. He’s also among the greatest base stealers of all-time with 580 career swipes.

5. Jimmy Rollins  — “J-Roll” is one of the most offensively prolific shortstops the game has ever seen. He has 2,455 hits, which includes 511 doubles (53rd all-time), 115 triples, and 231 home runs. He ranks 103rd in career total bases and 83rd in extra-base hits. He’s also stolen 470 bases, good for 46th in MLB history. His 1,421 runs are good for 86th and 936 RBI from pretty much always being in a table-setting position is pretty solid as well.

He makes the all-time Top 20 in almost every offensive statistic for a shortstop and was the centerpiece of a Phillies team that won two NL pennants and a World Series in 2008. He has four Gold Gloves and four seasons of at least 10 Defensive Runs Saved.

J-Roll was a true soul patroller. His 2007 NL MVP award was the stamp that at some point he was the best at his position. Standing a diminutive 5-foot-7, 175-pounds, Rollins defied the odds and continues to be a living example of skills over scales when it comes to the sport of baseball.

Honorable Mention: Maury Wills

Wills didn’t get his Hall of Fame props from the writers, but he was an MLB pioneer and one of the fastest players in history who was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 by the Golden Era committee, which can induct managers, umpires, executives and long-retired players. The barn-burner made a living off of his superior wheels as he stole 586 bases in his career, good for 20th all time.

The lack of respect for his career is indicative of the lost appreciation in the modern game for the stolen base, which was a staple of black excellence in baseball ever since No. 42 broke the color barrier in 47. In 1960, Wills won the first of six straight National League stolen base crowns.

Kyrie Irving Says He Didn’t Fit On Team USA | Did USAB Executive Grant Hill See Mavericks Guard As “Chaos Agent” and “Locker Room Cancer”?

If anyone represents the United States game in its true essence, it’s Kyrie Irving, with his playground flair, unrivaled ball-handling skills, clutch gene and mastery around the basket. It brought him a championship and a perennial position amongst the league’s elite performers. 

But he won’t be playing in Paris. His elegance, precision and unique skill set won’t be a part of the festivities. 

Kyrie Irving Snubbed From Team USA 12-Man Roster

Reporters recently caught up with Kai and asked him about the USAB snub. Irving, as always, gave props to his basketball brothers in their journey towards Olympic gold.

“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit into this team. At this point in my career, I think my focus should be on winning a championship,” Kyrie told reporters.

Irving also addressed the potential damage that his “reputation” as a locker room malcontent might have done to influence his omission. He recently told reporters he’s fed up with the various negative narratives surrounding him.

“I think if you look at some of the guys on our team, we’ve dealt with a lot of naysayers, a lot of critics, and a lot of noise,” Irving said. “Just like other teams, but I think specifically with us. Somehow, I was called a chaos agent for a little bit. And there was this narrative that I’m a locker room cancer.

“All these things that ended up becoming just these run-a-show media pundits,” Irving continued. “I didn’t want to be the butt of anyone’s joke. I don’t mind being the butt of anyone’s joke, but not at the expense or consequence of my teammates’ success and our success as an organization.

“I’ve just taken a lot of hits, learned how to hit back, learned how to protect myself, learned how to protect my brothers and my sisters and keep the main thing the main thing,” Irving added.

Isiah Thomas Was Snubbed From 1992 Dream Team

When Kawhi Leaonard was chosen to complete USA Basketball’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, their squad is now complete. That also means that Kyrie Irving was snubbed. 

If it can happen to Isiah Thomas with the Dream Team it can happen to Irving, who won’t be a part of the last run at international greatness for LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Steph Curry. They are the Mount Rushmore players of this past generation, dating back to Kobe’s retirement tour. They probably won’t be in the league when the 2028 Olympics rolls around.   

In addition, team USA didn’t even medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, so similar to back in the day when John Thompson won the bronze with college players in 1988 and USA decided to allow the legends of the NBA game to team up like Voltron and obliterate the field in 1992, USA Basketball was determined not to end up embarrassed in Paris. 

Kyrie Irving Is Either Loved Or Loathed

Kyrie Irving is beloved in some circles and held in reverence for his basketball skills, philosophies on life, hardline questioning of government and words of enlightenment he offers through a Phil Jackson-like zen musings. 

In others he is seen as a conveyer of misinformation, an anti-vaxxer and a divisive locker room influence, who uses his profound basketball ability to manipulate narratives and fall short of being fully invested in the task at hand. 

Race may indeed play a part in this public conflict concerning Irving, a guy who is never in trouble with the law and always gives back to his community, giving aid in causes that he does not tweet out to the world to make himself look better. 

Irving has been an exciting wingman to Luka Doncic, averaging about 26 points per game, five assists and five rebounds. He has kept his social media posts and public opinions concerning anything unrelated to basketball at bare minimum while remaining true to his beliefs and lifestyle.

Why Not Kyrie?

With the Games a little more than three months away, Team USA has picked the 12 players it wants to bring to Paris this summer. 

There’s no real reason why Jalen Brunson or Kyrie couldn’t be the point guards for Team USA. Jrue Holiday and Tyrese Haliburton aren’t better players. They do get it on the defensive end a bit more, but people don’t come to the Olympics to see Team USA play hard-nosed defense. It’s a festival. A flex of your superior abilities as well as a team competition. 

Making the decision more perplexing is Kyrie already won two gold medals playing for USA Basketball in 2014 at the World Cup and at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won tournament MVP honors in 2014 and posted 11.4 points and 4.9 assists in 2016.

As Kyrie noted, back then you had to go through numerous tryouts and prove your worth against the best competition. Last year, USAB Executive Director Grant Hill announced that players would no longer have to try out to make the team.

“I grew up in a time when we actually had to try out for USAB,” said Irving. “And we did meet up as a group and as peers and there was a mutual respect that we earned from one another in trying out and seeing what five meshed well.”

” I missed that fun part of it of just getting together, but I just wish my brothers well,” Irving said.

Whatever the reason, from a pure basketball standpoint, it would have been great to have Kyrie back on the Olympics team sharing his jewels with the world. At the same time, Hill probably had in the back of his mind that he didn’t want anything that happened to turn political. Irving has been a lightning rod for such things in the past and that might have played a factor in selecting Kawhi, who barely ever speaks, over Kyrie, who has the potential to ignite controversy with what he says.

WNBA Top Ten Salaries | League’s Most Accomplished Players Aja Wilson And Breanna Stewart Don’t Even Make The List

WNBA salaries have been a real sticking point ever since the league debuted in 1997. Following this week’s WNBA draft it became more noise than just chatter.

The four-year contract for No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark will be a very modest $338K in totality over the duration of the deal. That averages out to roughly $84,500 per season. When you compare that to a league-minimum NBA contract ($1.1M per season) that’s no money. 

Her eight-figure Nike shoe deal, rumored to be in the $20-$25million range, will soften the blow of the contract. Others don’t have that luxury.

How Does WNBA Pay Scale Work?

The pay scale difference is based on league revenue popularity. That’s the simplest way to explain the pay disparity, and as the WNBA looks to up their pay with increased revenue in the near future, it still won’t come close to what an NBA player makes. In fact, a max salary in the NBA is about $48 million per season. On the other hand, a WNBA max deal is roughly $240K- $250K per season. 

The top ten highest-paid players in the WNBA would equal somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.25 million which in essence is just a million more than a league minimum contract in the NBA. 

Highest-Paid WNBA Players, Where’s Aja Wilson Or Breanna Stewart?

Over the last six to seven seasons Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson and New York Liberty superstar Breanna Stewart have separated themselves as arguably the two best players in the league.

What’s wild is neither is in the top ten for annual salaries. In fact, Stewart ranks 15th and Wilson 17th.

Both players do well off the court, but no way they shouldn’t be in the top ten in salary. That list is led by Wilson’s teammate and 2019 No. 1 overall pick Jackie Young, who signed a two-year extension making her the highest-paid player in the league’s 27-year history at $252,450 per season.

She’s followed by fellow Notre Dame alumna Jewell Loyd, the 2015 No. 1 overall pick, whose salary sits at $245,508 per season. They’re followed by former WNBA Finals MVP Kaleah Copper who signed a two-year extension with Chicago Sky in September but has since been traded.

Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale ($241,984) another former Fighting Irish legend and longtime WNBA player and legend Diana Taurasi round out the top five ($234,936).

A’Ja Wilson Remains An Advocate For Pay Gap Between Men and Women Hoopers

During an appearance on “The View” in February, Wilson, who’s one of the most outspoken players in the league, talked about the how she continually brought up the pay gap during her rookie season in 2018. 

“I felt like I finally used my platform and knew that people were listening and encouraging me to continue to speak out on things that I believe in.”

Top Rookies Don’t Even Rake In $100K In WNBA

As previously stated, Clark the top overall pick, isn’t even making $100K per season to play her first four seasons. But, her fame and popularity will make up for that, she’s rumored to have several deals pending, with some already in place from her time at Iowa via NIL.

Same with Angel Reese the No. 7 overall pick whose NIL valuation was nearly $2 million this past season at LSU. Even better for her is almost all of her deals were outside of the LSU NIL collective, meaning she gets to keep those. 

That leaves us to talk about the other picks who don’t move the meter or aren’t as marketable as those two. They’ll likely be required to head overseas in the offseason to offset the money they’re not making in the WNBA or through endorsements. This will continue to be the trend until the game and product becomes popular enough to change the current revenue status of $60M for the entire league. 

“In A Sport Where 70% Of Players are Black Women, 0% Would Be Worthy Of A Shoe?” | The Three Women In WNBA With Sneaker Deals Are White

Blame Ice Cube for this mess.

When he announced — or did not deny — that he had offered Iowa star Cailtin Clark $5 million to become the first woman in his 3-on-3 Big3 League, it created a firestorm of backlash from Black women, most notably current WNBA players such as Lexi Brown, who felt it was disrespectful to all of the Black women who have paved the way for this recent explosion in women’s basketball that the rap mogul and league co-founder would choose not only a college player, but a white player in a sport that is dominated by Black people. 

Caitlin Clark Reported $10M Nike Deal

What people missed is that when it comes to women’s pro ball, the overlooked Black player is a common theme. On Wednesday night, it was reported that Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark will get her own signature sneaker from Nike — a massive eight-figure deal, reportedly — making her the third active player in the WNBA to get her own shoe, joining Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart.  Ionescu is down with the Nike team. Stewart and PUMA partnered to release the Stewie 1 last year, and the shoe was popular enough to already get a second edition in the Stewie 2.

How Come MVP Star A’ja Wilson Doesn’t Have Signature Shoe?

After this news went public, people started wondering when two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, who has been holding down, will get her own signature sneaker. 

Former ESPN personality Jemele Hill, who always has her eye on racial and gender inequities in pro sports, tweeted, “A’ja Wilson, who is a 2-time league MVP, 2-time WNBA champion, 2-time DPOY, a Finals MVP, a 5-time WNBA All Star, and a best-selling author, is probably somewhere like.”

There’s been rumors of Nike giving Wilson a shoe deal for several seasons now, but it has yet to materialize.  

Three WNBA Players With Shoe Deals Are White

Most people probably didn’t know that the three WNBA players who have signature sneaker deals are all white players. That fact, which is a black eye on the WNBA’s corporate relationships, structure and public reputation, opened the door for a larger discussion on Cailtin Clark and the preferential treatment she is already getting as the new, white face of the WNBA. 

One X user expanded on Hill’s beef with some sobering perspective on why Clark’s sneaker deal would irritate Black people, who are now taking a new interest in the WNBA and its corporate dealings and culture.

“It’s about the fact that Shoe companies didn’t make similar efforts with Highly marketable and influential Black women like A’ja. Only three women have shoe deals, and they are all white.”

Even more disturbing is the fact that they are among the league’s best players, but not a cut above the rest. Now that people are digging deeper into WNBA history and culture and politics, they might not like everything they see. But for the WNBA, everything is based on survival.  

WNBA, Sponsors Are Already Capitalizing On Future Of League

The numbers do make you scratch your head. But when you understand that the league is putting its future on Clark’s back, it’s not offensive that she is getting the LeBron James treatment, having spurned offers from Adidas, Curry Brand and others, to sign a massive deal with Nike. 

After all, when you have “Louis Vuitton” Dawn Staley winning another national championship and then crediting you as the “sole” reason college basketball viewership soared, everything that comes your way has been somewhat justified. 

“We need to make sure that we’re telling the stories of our entire game, so sometimes you have to go against the masses to really cut down to say what’s happening in real-time,” Staley said this week to Chicago station 670 The Score. “Caitlin Clark is the sole reason why viewership has shot through the roof for our game. Sole reason. Sole reason, and I think the decision-makers are following suit in making sure that other games are being played besides Caitlin Clark, because if you play Caitlin Clark, you’re going to run up against somebody (else) you might find that’s pretty good.” 

In the sport of basketball, where the Black players make up 70 percent of the league, a Larry Bird type, a great white hope, is not a bad thing, but the value on that player will also be set higher and that becomes a point of contentiousness.

“…in a sport where 70% of the players are Black Women, 0 % would be worthy of a shoe or marketable to the people who are watching them?” C.J. Lawrence asked in disbelief.

However, you need the little white girl who plays ball in Nebraska and Iowa and St. Joseph’s, Missouri, to fall in love with the game and the characters of the game so their parents will spend the money for the merch and the tickets. 

The way these things usually work, after the fuss this situation created, Wilson will probably get her sneaker deal within the next few months, because you can’t say that the only marketable players in the WNBA worth having sneaker deals are three white players. Even if it were true, it wouldn’t be American. Or would it?

From Sydney Carter’s Wardrobe To Angel Reese’s Attitude, Women’s Basketball Has To Embrace New Attention and Expect Some Ignorance

Women’s basketball has hit the front stage. This is what women athletes have wanted for many years as they struggled to be seen and respected and have their talents appreciated, especially in the game of basketball. 

Despite unprecedented Olympic glory and epic accomplishments by legends of the game dating back to Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers and Lynette Woodard, gaining mainstream appreciation of the women’s game and financial corporate support has been an incremental rise. 

So here we are, with all eyes on women’s basketball. The WNBA marketing machine is in full swing, the sympathy card is also being played to get people unaware of how pro teams are structured and funded, to support the idea that women in the WNBA are underpaid and the reason is because women are disrespected.

Jason Whitlock pointed that out earlier this week and of course, got lambasted for it. His track record on blindly supporting the causes of Black celebrities isn’t up to the standards of many. 

What he was trying to say was you don’t have to play that card anymore because your time is now and people are listening and watching. Just show them what they have been missing. 

Everytime Angel Reese gives an interview she reminds us that she’s a Black woman and how much they have to deal with and overcome. I’ve got a Black mama, Black sister and Black wife and Black daughter, so I know very well what they are up against. 

At the same time, their desire to be treated as an equal to men has them at a crossroads, where they will now be covered by men who traditionally never respected women’s hoops. The victory is in the fact that women’s basketball is viable and captivating enough that these men have to cover it if they work for reputable media outlets. 

Instead of fighting at every turn, they also have to find the beauty in what they perceive as disrespect. If a reporter is not telling you to “go do the dishes and get off the court,” then  any awkward or disagreeable moment just  comes with the attention and increased coverage.

Clark handled this weird exchange with reporter Greg Doyle pretty well. 

Being treated as an equal doesn’t always mean that things get better or easier. You’re just subject to an equal amount of criticism, negative press, offensive questioning and the like. 

Which brings me to the curious case of Sydney Carter. 

Carter is the basketball coach at Texas A&M University. She made headlines last season when she received some social media criticism for an outfit she wore on the court. She was wearing a white turtleneck, pink leather pants, and stilettos at a game, which naturally sparked an online debate about what should be considered “professional” or “appropriate” attire for a coach.

Carter responded to the criticism with confidence and also received support from others on the internet, such as rapper Nicki Minaj. 

Carter went on “Good Morning America” to defend her fashion choices and cultural preferences.

“I was confused,” the coach said in an interview with ABC News’ Deborah Roberts in an interview for “Good Morning America.” “Just because it was something that I had always done. I wore the pink pants because we were celebrating or honoring breast cancer awareness at our game in Kentucky. I posted my photo, and I had no idea that it was going to take off like this, so my reaction was shock.” Carter played basketball at Texas A&M University and was drafted by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA in 2012. 

Sydney Carter Won’t Apologize For Her Curves On Angela Yee Pod

Last week, the current director of player development for women’s basketball at the University of Texas appeared on “Way Up With Angela Yee” show, where she dropped the science behind her outfit coordination, which has become her staple at this point, and elevated her to a figure that Angela Yee would even want on her show. 

Regardless of the backlash, the attention she commands elevated women’s basketball and brings eyes to the game. 

Carter says her confidence offends people, but that’s not her objective when she selects her fits for game day. It’s a cultural and teachable moment if you want to know the truth. It’s not a clash.

Women’s basketball coaches – Black ones – are rare. Even rarer is a young, curvaceous, Black coach whose attire reflects the fashion trends of the time. As coaches and administrators get younger and more diverse in gender, the same stereotypes or misconceptions that they deal with in life will manifest itself at times in their professions.

“My confidence offended people,” Carter told Yee. “To this day, I’m not apologizing for who I am because I was raised this way. … It surprised me because, at the end of the day, I was just doing my job.”

“And like, I can’t help that I’m curvy. I can’t help that I like to dress a certain way and I’ve never been inappropriate. So, of course, to me, that’s surprising because it’s like, ‘What did I do wrong?’”

Carter did nothing wrong and she looks amazing in whatever fits she chooses. There should be some guidelines of professionalism as a representative of a larger university and as long as her bosses don’t have a problem with her and her track record of success, it shouldn’t be an issue.

Any Attention is Good Attention For Women’s Basketball: Black Women Being Seen

This is not negative attention. It might be misplaced energy, but Carter should want that spotlight. She certainly didn’t tone it down for anybody and continues to get a groundswell of support and advancements in her career for her talents.

It’s easy to make it an issue of a man telling a Back woman what to do with her body and how to look. That could be jumping the gun, especially when women were also critical of — and ignorant to — Carter’s attire as it pertains to today’s fashion standards.  

Freedom of expression and being proud of your body and the way God created you, go hand in hand with the confidence needed to rise to levels of management in male-dominated sports. It’s a beautiful thing to watch women work. Even when applying pressure and fighting perceived negativity.

As women’s basketball continues to grab the headlines and start to really make a buzz, the elevated attention will bring forth some uncomfortable moments, at the same time, they shouldn’t be taken too personal. It’s all a part of the game, and the guys go through it too.

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