WNBA’s misguided aversion to media ignores an important history lesson

I observed the revolution from a distance. It was a primitive era in the major leagues, with women being excluded from clubhouses. When a few courageous individuals began asserting their rights in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the response from players was often volatile and shockingly vulgar.

Melissa Ludtke, Claire Smith, Jane Leavy, Lisa Saxon, Stephanie Salter, Susan Fornoff, and many others played a pivotal role in transforming this appalling situation into an equitable working environment. Similar conflicts were eventually resolved in the NFL, NHL, and NBA.

Before this season started, the WNBA Players Association proposed and obtained a complete ban on media access to the locker rooms at all times. Seasoned journalists were initially stunned, thinking it must be a mistake. Coming to terms with this regressive step from a group of athletes known for their progressive social consciousness was a difficult task.

“As a woman, I find it extremely disappointing,” expressed Ann Killion of the Chronicle via email. “We fought so hard for equal access, and now a women’s league is denying that access. It’s troubling because it hinders more comprehensive coverage.”

The thrilling victory of the Las Vegas Aces over the New York Liberty to secure the league championship wasn’t spoiled on Wednesday night. Despite having their key players Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes sidelined due to injuries, the Aces triumphed on the road. However, only head coach Sandy Brondello and two heartbroken players, Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot, were made available for interviews in the aftermath. The Liberty’s locker room remained closed.

Other players requested by the media were required to be available in a different location. Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Betnijah Laney refused to comply and were each fined $2,000, while the team received a $25,000 penalty.

Life went on, articles were written, everyone went home, and history will remember the rise of the Aces’ dynasty. However, the WNBA will carry this blemish into the offseason, realizing that it’s not as progressive as it claims to be.

A Legacy to Remember

• The esteemed Bernard King had to wait 20 years to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, illustrating the dubiousness of the voting process. Andre Iguodala may face a similar fate, with critics pointing out that he only made one All-Star team and spent his last nine seasons coming off the bench. But as Iguodala retires, the Warriors and their fans know the truth. Everything changed when he joined the starting lineup during the 2015 Finals in Cleveland. His elite-level defense and leadership during crises have been invaluable. It’s time to raise a banner for him at Chase Center. For all the “load management” enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that he played all 82 games in five of his first six seasons in Philadelphia.

• The Phoenix Mercury’s social media post listing “Girl Dad” as one of the glowing credentials for their new head coach, Nate Tibbetts, raises questions about their intelligence. Can one be that ignorant? Perhaps a visit to the Arizona State Prison Complex in Tucson, where “girl dads” serving life sentences reside, would help shed some light.

• Qualified female coaches have been battling gender bias for decades, at every level of the sport. Yet the Mercury opted to hire a man, instantly earning him a higher salary than the Aces’ Becky Hammon and many other exceptional coaches (Stephanie White of Connecticut quickly comes to mind). Once again, the league has foolishly veered into a tone-deaf realm. Every WNBA coach should be a woman, not because of some written rule, but to restore balance and demonstrate common sense.

• The women’s college basketball season kicks off with plenty of excitement, featuring standout players like Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, LSU’s Angel Reese, South Carolina’s powerhouse led by Dawn Staley, and UConn’s return of the remarkable Paige Bueckers from knee rehabilitation. However, there is a significant void in the nonconference schedule. Where is the tournament that brings all these teams together?

The men have it right with the annual Maui Invitational. This year, it will be held in Honolulu due to the tragedy in Lahaina, showcasing five top-10 teams in ESPN’s preseason poll: Kansas, Purdue, Gonzaga, Tennessee, and Marquette. Imagine if the women could organize a similar event to ignite their season. Unfortunately, among the top six teams in the Associated Press preseason poll, there are only three nonconference matchups: UConn vs. UCLA, South Carolina vs. Utah, and UConn vs. South Carolina. This is inexcusable.

• When watching the Phillies dominate the postseason, one can’t help but wonder how many Giants could make it into their formidable lineup. The answer is none. In most cases, the comparison isn’t even close. While catcher Patrick Bailey looks like a promising player for the future, J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies boasts superior skills both offensively and defensively. Second baseman Bryson Stott holds a slight offensive edge over Thairo Estrada and is even a finalist for a Gold Glove award.

• Concerning home-field advantage in the World Series, it can be determined by evaluating the season-series results: Texas over Philadelphia, Texas over Arizona, Houston over Arizona, and Philadelphia over Houston.

• The Mavericks got off to a fantastic start to their big-wave season. The waves off Pillar Point were massive, accompanied by clear skies and favorable conditions. Surfer and historian Grant Washburn described it as the best October swell in two decades. Local surfers Luca Padua, Hunter Murison, Alo Slebir, Colin Dwyer, and Ryan Augenstein stood out during the memorable sessions. Women also had a significant presence, with San Francisco’s own Bianca Valenti showcasing her commitment and her protégé, 17-year-old Zoe Chait, making a major breakthrough.

“I caught five great waves, and Zoe killed it,” said Valenti. “She caught a great wave and continues to improve with each session.”

Bruce Jenkins writes the 3-Dot Lounge for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Bruce_Jenkins1

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