Sports
Caitlin Clark, Christine Brennan and how racial stereotypes persist in the media’s WNBA coverage
Molly Yanity, University of Rhode Island
The “Caitlin Clark effect,” or the impact on women’s basketball from a ponytailed rookie phenomenon from America’s heartland, is real: The 2024 WNBA season shattered viewership, attendance and merchandise sales records.
Clark, however, didn’t get a chance to compete for a league title.
The Connecticut Sun eliminated Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, in the first round of the playoffs with a two-game sweep, ending her record rookie-of-the-year campaign.
And it may be just the latest chapter in a complicated saga steeped in race.
During the first game of the series, the fingers of Sun guard DiJonai Carrington hit Clark in the eye as Carrington followed through on a block attempt of a Clark shot.
During the next day’s media availability, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan recorded and posted an exchange between herself and Carrington.
In the brief clip, the veteran sports writer asks Carrington, who is Black, if she purposely hit Clark in the eye during the previous night’s game. Though Carrington insisted she didn’t intentionally hit Clark, Brennan persisted, asking the guard if she and a teammate had laughed about the incident. The questions sparked social media outrage, statements from the players union and the league, media personalities weighing in and more.
Hit the pause button here.
As a longtime sports writer who has covered the WNBA – and as a journalism scholar who studies women’s sports and fandom – I’ll concede that Brennan’s line of questioning seems, on its face, like business as usual in sports journalism.
After all, haven’t most baseball fans seen a scribe ask a pitcher if he intentionally beaned a batter?
But Brennan’s questions were not asked in a vacuum. The emergence of a young, white superstar from the heartland has caused many new WNBA fans to pick sides that fall along racial lines. Brennan’s critics claim she was pushing a line of questioning that has dogged Black athletes for decades: that they are aggressive and undisciplined.
Because of that, her defense of her questions – and her unwillingness to acknowledge the complexities – has left this professor disappointed in one of her journalistic heroes.
Brennan and much of the mainstream sports media, particularly those who cover professional women’s basketball, still seem to have a racial blind spot.
The emergence of a Black, queer league
When the WNBA launched in 1997 in the wake of the success of the 1996 Olympic gold-medal-winning U.S. women’s basketball team, it did so under the watch of the NBA.
The NBA set out to market its new product, in part, to a white, heterosexual fan base.
The plan didn’t take hold.
While the league experienced fits and starts in attendance and TV ratings over its lifetime, the demographic makeup of its players is undeniable: The WNBA is, by and large, a Black, queer league.
In 2020, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association reported that 83% of its members were people of color, with 67% self-reporting as “Black/African-American.” While gender and sexual identity hasn’t been officially reported, a “substantial proportion,” the WNBPA reported, identify as LBGTQ+.
In 2020, the league’s diversity was celebrated as players competed in a “bubble” in Bradenton, Florida, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They protested racial injustice, helped unseat a U.S. senator who also owned Atlanta’s WNBA franchise, and urged voters to oust former President Donald Trump from the White House.
Racial tensions bubble to the surface
In the middle of it all, the WNBA has more eyeballs on it than ever before. And, without mincing words, the fan base has “gotten whiter” since Clark’s debut this past summer, as The Wall Street Journal pointed out in July. Those white viewers of college women’s basketball have emphatically turned their attention to the pro game, in large part due to Clark’s popularity at the University of Iowa.
Money is also pouring into the league through a lucrative media rights deal and new sponsorship partners.
While the rising tide following Clark’s transition to the WNBA is certainly lifting all boats, it is also bringing detritus to the surface in the form of racist jeers from the stands and on social media.
After the Sun dispatched the Fever, All-WNBA forward Alyssa Thomas, who seldom speaks beyond soundbites, said in a postgame news conference: “I think in my 11-year career I’ve never experienced the racial comments from the Indiana Fever fan base. … I’ve never been called the things that I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for it.”
Echoes of Bird and Magic
In “Manufacturing Consent,” a seminal work about the U.S. news business, Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky argued that media in capitalist environments do not exist to impartially report the news, but to reinforce dominant narratives of the time, even if they are false. Most journalists, they theorized, work to support the status quo.
In sports, you sometimes see that come to light through what media scholars call “the stereotypical narrative” – a style of reporting and writing that relies on old tropes.
Scholars who study sports media have found that reporters routinely fall back on racial stereotypes. For example, coverage of Black quarterbacks in the NFL as less intelligent and more innately gifted would go on to hinder the progress of Black quarterbacks.
In Brennan’s coverage of the Carrington-Clark incident, there appear to be echoes of the way the media covered Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson and Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird in the 1980s.
The battles between two of the sport’s greatest players – one Black, the other white – was a windfall for the NBA, lifting the league into financial sustainability.
But to many reporters who leaned on the dominant narrative of the time, the two stars also served as stand-ins for the racial tensions of the post-civil rights era. During the 1980s, Bird and Magic didn’t simply hoop; they were the “embodiments of their races and living symbols of how blacks and whites lived in America,” as scholars Patrick Ferrucci and Earnest Perry wrote.
The media gatekeepers of the Magic-Bird era often relied on racial stereotypes that ultimately distorted both athletes.
For example, early in their careers, Bird and Johnson received different journalistic treatment. In Ferrucci and Perry’s article, they explain how coverage of Bird “fit the dominant narrative of the time perfectly … exhibiting a hardworking and intelligent game that succeeded despite a lack of athletic prowess.” When the “flashy” Lakers and Johnson won, they wrote, it was because of “superior skill.”
When they lost to Bird’s Celtics, they were “outworked.”
Framing matters
Let’s go back to Brennan.
Few have done more for young women in the sports media industry than Brennan. In time, energy and money, she has mentored and supported young women trying to break into the field. She has used her platform to expand the coverage of women’s sports.
Brennan defended herself in a lengthy interview on the podcast “Good Game with Sarah Spain”:
“I think [critics are] missing the fact of what I’m trying to do, what I am doing, what I understand clearly as a journalist, asking questions and putting things out there so that athletes can then have an opportunity to answer issues that are being discussed or out there.”
I don’t think Brennan asking Carrington about the foul was problematic. Persisting with the narrative was.
Leaning into racial stereotypes is not simply about the language used anymore. Brennan’s video of her persistent line of questioning pitted Carrington against Clark. It could be argued that it used the stereotype of the overly physical, aggressive Black athlete, as well.
At best, Brennan has a blind spot to the strain racism is putting on Black athletes today – particularly in the WNBA. At worst, she is digging in on that tired trope.
A blind spot can be addressed and seen. An unacknowledged racist narrative, however, will persist.
Molly Yanity, Professor and Director of Sports media and Communication, University of Rhode Island
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
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Excitement is building for pickleball fans and sports enthusiasts alike as the highly anticipated documentary Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story is set to premiere on April 11, 2025, on truTV. This film captures the thrilling evolution of pickleball from a casual pastime to a burgeoning professional sport, offering an inside look at a fierce power struggle between two billionaire moguls determined to shape its future.
Narrated by Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa from The Senior Pickleball Report, Dreambreaker features appearances by top pickleball pros and sports icons, including John McEnroe and media personality Billy Bush. Crafted by writer Craig Coyne and directed by Ashley Underwood, the documentary explores the intertwining of sports, aspirations, and rivalries within the pickleball community.
Constantly Evolving Pickleball Story
With its rich narrative and compelling characters, Dreambreaker goes beyond the court to reveal the passion and politics that define the sport. Set your calendars for April 11 and prepare for a captivating journey that promises to enhance your appreciation of pickleball and its growing cultural significance. Don’t miss the chance to witness the drama and dreams that characterize this exhilarating game!
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Sports
Unveiling the Journey: Rising Pickleball Sensation Connor Garnett in Conversation with Mike Sleeves Sliwa
“Get exclusive insights into Connor Garnett’s journey from amateur to pro in the latest episode of Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report.”
In the latest episode of the podcast, People of Pickleball, Mike Sleeves Sliwa sits down with the rising pickleball sensation, Connor Garnett.
Garnett shares his journey from amateur to professional, offering insights into his training regimen and mental approach to the game.
Listeners get an inside look at Garnett’s strategies for success, including his thoughts on the evolving landscape of competitive pickleball.
Sliwa delves into Garnett’s experiences on and off the court, revealing the dedication and passion that drive this young athlete forward.
The episode provides a compelling narrative of determination and skill, inspiring both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Tune in to hear the full interview and gain valuable tips from one of pickleball’s most promising talents.
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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report: PBZ’s Innovative Ergonomic Paddle Review
“Explore the game-changing world of pickleball gear with Mike Sleeves Sliwa’s review of PBZ’s Ergonomic paddles on the latest episode. Discover innovation and redefine your playing experience. 
#Pickleball #GearReview”
In the recent Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report, Mike Sleeves Sliwa takes a swing at innovation, unraveling the secrets behind PBZ’s groundbreaking Ergonomic paddles. With a keen eye for detail, Sleeves offers a comprehensive review, highlighting how these paddles redefine the player experience. The episode delves into the distinct features that set PBZ apart, emphasizing the ergonomic design that aims to elevate comfort and performance. For pickleball enthusiasts, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report provides a valuable glimpse into the cutting-edge gear shaping the game. Stay tuned to Sleeves’ expert analysis for the latest in pickleball equipment evolution.
Sleeve’s SPR on the web:
Sign up for the SPR Newsletter and get news and episode release info right into your inbox: https://q5i.09c.myftpupload.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/sleeves-spr-newsletter-sign-up/
Merch links and affiliate links…
Crown Pickleball: Get 15% off your purchase by using my discount code: MICHAELSLIWA15
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Wickle Elite 1: A Game-Changing Pickleball Paddle
Describing the paddle as a game-changer, Sliwa went as far as suggesting that the sport itself should consider rebranding to “Wickleball” in honor of this groundbreaking equipment. With a low price tag that won’t leave your wallet in a pickle, the Wickle Elite 1 promises to elevate your pickleball experience without breaking the bank.
Check out the Wickle product line and get 10% off your purchase ( use the code sleeves10): https://wicklesports.com?sca_ref=4259414.aeWn90ZVTe
Visit Miles Jane and get $15 off by using code SLEEVES15OFF when you make a purchase.
MilesJane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milesjane_pickleball/
#PickleballFashion
Discover the newest apparel and accessories for the Senior Pickleball Report by SLEEVES, now available through Santa Barbara Happy! Use the discount code: Sleeve10 for 10% off.
PiklNation: We believe that pickleball is not just a game, but a lifestyle. Our mission is to add joy, style, and humor to the pickleball community. https://www.piklnation.com/
Check out the Bread & Butter Filth and get 15% off your purchase ( use the code SleevesPBR):
https://www.bnbpickleball.com/?sca_ref=4297023.2Ijsgs79j6..
Picklin is revolutionizing pickleball practice with The Dink Net! Improve your dink game and revolutionize your practice with this portable net that sets up in under 60 seconds. Perfect for practicing your skills anywhere, The Dink Net enhances muscle memory and helps you become an expert player faster. Picklin is dedicated to enhancing your game with innovative products, ensuring your transition into pickleball is smooth and enjoyable.
Use code SENIORPICKLEBALLREPORT for 10% off your entire order. Elevate your pickleball experience with Picklin! https://startpicklin.com/seniorpickleballreport
Learn about the R.A.W. (Reign and Win) Excluder 1, a fantastic paddle that supports non-profit bee farmers and contributes to preserving bees. Use the promo code “Reign10” to get a 10% discount on your purchase. Let’s work together to save the bees, who play a vital role in sustaining life on our planet. Click the link below to find out more about this product.
Sleeves Shirts and Gear: https://sleeves-spr.store
Just Paddles https://www.justpaddles.com/?rfsn=660...
#pickleball
#seniorpickleball
#pickleballislife
Social Links:
SPR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
SPR on WEB https://sleeves-spr.com
SPR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seniorpickl...
SPR on TikTok
twitter: https://twitter.com/SeniorPBReport
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