Diana Taurasi Defends The WNBA From Critics

I knew Diana Taurasi was feisty on the court, but I had no idea that she was as feisty off the court.

Taurasi took it upon herself to respond to a commentary in the LA Times by “Special to The Times” reporter, Melissa Rohlin.

Here is part of Rohlin’s premise:

Another reason the WNBA is underappreciated is the lack of male interest in the game. Very few of my friends who are girls share my passion for basketball, but most of my guy friends (even those who have no interest in playing the sport) love watching it. These guys only have an interest in the NBA. The WNBA is as foreign to them as cricket is to most Americans.

A lot of young female basketball players also shy away from watching the WNBA because of its reputation of having a large homosexual fan base. Some heterosexual girls are afraid that they themselves will be considered gay if they associate with something reputed as gay. Unfortunately, this discourages many young women from watching and talking about a sport in which they would otherwise have interest.

And here is part of Taurasi’s response:

Perhaps those like Ms. Rohlin who find us so boring are simply too close-minded to give the WNBA a chance, shackled by stereotypes, homophobia or an obsession with being accepted by men. Perhaps they aren’t real basketball fans.

That’s what makes the premise of Ms. Rohlin’s commentary so absurd. It’s not even possible to be a basketball fan and not be at least somewhat entertained by the WNBA. Sure, you can be an NBA fan and not have interest in our league. But basketball fans, real basketball fans — who see the game as more than dunks and athleticism and personalities — can enjoy all levels of basketball without being herded toward it by big-budget commercials. Yes, even varsity games at Palisades High.

And here’s the final score …

Taurasi 500, Rohlin and the LA Times 0

For the full Taurasi article, go here.

For the full Rohlin commentary, go here