News & Lifestyle

Gilbert Arenas Randomly Comes for the WNBA…..and the WNBA Clapped Right Back

Have you ever been found yourself receiving “advice” from someone, and you just stare at them wondering, “But who asked you, bih?!”

That is exactly how myself and a host of WNBA players and fans felt yesterday when ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas shared his thoughts on the WNBA and how they can attract more viewers (thought’s no one clearly cares about). Let’s  run down the timeline of this foolishness, shall we?

It all started when the washed Arenas took to his Instagram to share his views on the WNBA’s success, by posting this clip of two women, wearing underwear and midriff tops, playing what looked like a quick game of 21:

Pretty bad, right? Well….there’s more. He then proceeded to post a pic of a few players from the Legends Football League (formerly the Lingerie Football League), with this caption underneath:

“Ppl act like I said some [expletive] thats just down right sexist and rude…..str8 men are attracted to women RIGHT? Men are 80 percent of sportviewers RIGHT? So lets name a few women sports,that still attract the men viewers…#Tennis,omg they were short skirts like female..#trackandfield,short tights and crop tops,so we can see abs …”

After realizing that he pissed off A LOT of players and fans, you would think he at least feel SOME remorse and offer an apology, or at least take the video down, right?

Nah.

He posted yet another video in response to the backlash:

Now if there’s one thing that we know, some of the WNBA’s top stars will NOT back down. 2015 MVP Elena Delle Donne (who has happily responded to naysayers in the past) clapped back with a short and sweet Instagram post of her own:

#ByeGilbert

A photo posted by Elena Delle Donne (@de11edonne) on

Liberty vet and broadcaster Swin Cash didn’t hesitate to clap back at Arenas, taking to Twitter to voice her thoughts:

Sparks’ Candace Parker and Mystics’ Ivory Latta also chimed in, letting Arenas know that no one is checking for him:

The WNBA also expressed their disgust at his comments, calling it “repugnant, utterly disrespectful, and down right wrong.”

Now that we got the basics out the way, here’s the problem:

The washed and former somebody (unfortunately) has the right to feel how he feels. Also, it’s safe to say that the WNBA, just like any and every other sport, is NOT for everyone, which is ok. My issue is the fact that in a time where women are excelling in sports like never before, especially over this past year, these athletes are STILL expected to be the subject of a man’s desire. Women are not celebrated for their diverse beauty, sizes, shapes, and shades, but are looked at as “lesbian” looking because they do not conform to society’s standard of beauty. Rather than acknowledge these ladies for overcoming adversities, battling injuries, and playing off of pure passion, they are only limited to just a pretty face. Even if they attain high accolades and dominate their respective sports, these achievements are overlooked, with some being made the subject of highly offensive jokes (or being compared to horses). Sadly enough, Arenas’ comments reflect the bigger issue with where we are as women today: we can win, break down barriers, and make history, but societal stigmas still exist and is an added bag to the already packed load that we continue to carry.

I should also add that this would be the perfect time for NBA players who support the WNBA and have close bonds with its players to OPENLY chime in. But I digress…..

We also cannot forget that we are in a time where social media is a powerful tool, and unfortunately, someone as forgotten as Arenas has the chance to regain “fame” with just one post. As much as I would like to ignore the irresponsible, irrelevant waste of talent, his comments may have resonated with a young pre-teen girl who is grappling with the idea of playing a sport for fear of not being viewed as “pretty” or “girly” enough, and THAT’s when I get upset. Women AND men in sports have a duty and obligation to pave a path that will continue to allow our youth to hone their skills and use their God-given gifts in an environment free of limitations and expectations based on factors as vain as looks and physical appearance. It’s all fun and games and a good laugh now til one of his daughters or nieces will want to play for the WNBA. Can’t wait to see what he says then….

I think ESPN reporter Holly Rowe pretty much summed up how we all felt last night:

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