The night was going well for WNBA all-star Diana Taurasi. She had just led the Phoenix Mercury to an impressive 93-81 win over the Seattle Storm with 22 points and four blocked shots.

Diana Taurasi was pulled over for driving under the influence after a key win again the Seattle Storm.

Yet, the celebration quickly turned sour when Taurasi was pulled over by a cop in the wee hours of the morning. According to ESPN.com, the officer who pulled her over smelled alcohol and gave Taurasi several field sobriety tests. She was then escorted to a mobile DUI van where she gave a sample of blood.

Though her blood alcohol content is unknown, Taurasi was cited for a DUI. The Mercury were immediately informed of the incident though they have yet to issue a statement.

Image: Zuma Press

It’s no secret that the WNBA has been losing money since its inception. The NBA is basically carrying the women’s league on its own shoulders. But, because the WNBA has a solid fan base and has helped to showcase the nation’s top talent in women’s basketball and bring women’s college basketball into the national spotlight as well (would we know so much about players like Candace Parker with out it?), the promotional powers-that-be are doing their best to help keep the WNBA alive.

WNBA President Donna Orender welcomes Candace Parker into the league in the spring of 2008.

The basic necessity is money. You can’t run a league with out money — in any sport. So here’s where WNBA execs have gotten a bit creative: Sponsorships. That’s right, teams like the Los Angeles Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury have inked deals with Farmers Insurance and LifeLock (respectively) to sport the company’s logo on their warm-ups and jerseys.

“We are pleased that the appeal and value of the WNBA will be utilized to its fullest behind this new partnership between the Sparks and Farmers Insurance,” said WNBA President Donna Orender. “Strong brands continue to be attracted to the league, not only for its elite athletes, outstanding entertainment, and high level of play, but also for its authentic connection to communities, families, and women.”

This is just another innovative way to help keep the WNBA afloat. Since 1997, women’s basketball has made incredible strides and it would be a shame for it to come to end due to financial issues. Hey, the government bailed out the banks and automakers. Perhaps a bailout  for the WNBA would also work? Kidding.

The 2009 WNBA Draft was held the day after the women’s NCAA Tournament wrapped, and UCONN won yet another championship (sixth to be exact, therefore completing another undefeated season at 39-0, but really, who’s counting?).

Though Courtney Paris shed tears only a couple days earlier after failing to make it to the championship game, on Wednesday she was all smiles when she was drafted 7th by the Sacramento Monarchs.

The number one overall pick went to Angel McCoughtry, the former Louisville All-American who will now be part of the Atlanta Dream.

Here’s a recap of the Top 10 2009 WNBA Draft picks in full:

1. Atlanta Dream — Angel McCoughtry
2. Washington Mystics — Marissa Coleman
3. Chicago Sky — Kristi Toliver
4. Minnesota Lynx — Renee Montgomery
5. Phoenix Mercury — DeWanna Bonner
6. Indiana Fever — Briann January
7. Sacramento Monarchs — Courtney Paris
8. New York Liberty — Kia Vaughn
9. Minnesota Lynx — Quanitra Hollingsworth
10. Connecticut Sun — Chante Black