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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Hot Springs, Ark. – The world of pickleball is evolving rapidly, and Vulcan Pickleball is taking a bold step forward with the launch of their Generation 2 VPRO FLIGHT Pickleball. This advanced ball is engineered to enhance gameplay for everyone, from newcomers to seasoned pro players.

A Game-Changer for All Players

The VPRO FLIGHT isn’t just any pickleball—it’s the Official Ball of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Designed with an innovative approach, this new ball is tailor-made to meet the diverse needs of different playing styles and court conditions.

Crafted through extensive testing with professional athletes, the ball features an ultra-pure resin formulation that offers a responsive and durable playing experience. Its unique 40-hole design and high-visibility yellow color ensure that players can enjoy consistent performance whether they are playing indoors or outdoors, on various court surfaces.

Meeting the Demands of Modern Pickleball

Dusty Thornton, VP of Sales and Marketing at Vulcan Pickleball, sheds light on the evolution of the game: “Pickleball has changed rapidly over the past five years. As paddles have become faster, the role of the ball has shifted from a neutral element to a more vital component of the game. This shift allowed us to innovate with the VPRO FLIGHT, aligning it with the demands of today’s competitive landscape.”

The Generation 2 VPRO FLIGHT ball is produced in a state-of-the-art facility, utilizing new tooling and advanced manufacturing processes. Each ball undergoes rigorous quality checks at every stage, ensuring that players receive a product that meets high standards for roundness, hardness, and bounce. Additionally, the introduction of a laser-printed lot code on each ball enhances traceability, setting a new standard in quality control for the industry.

What Pro Players Are Saying

Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the PPA Tour, expressed admiration for Vulcan’s relentless drive to innovate: “We have been impressed with Vulcan’s dedication to constant innovation and adaptation to where the sport is today and where it’s headed. The new Generation 2 VPRO FLIGHT ball allows players to perform at their peak, showcasing their incredible skills for fans.”

Where to Buy the VPRO FLIGHT Ball

The Generation 2 VPRO FLIGHT ball is now available for purchase across various platforms. You can find it on vulcansportinggoods.com, as well as Amazon, Pickleball Central, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Vulcan Pickleball’s commitment to innovation and quality is setting the stage for a new era in pickleball. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, the Generation 2 VPRO FLIGHT ball is poised to enhance the playing experience for all, ensuring that players can enjoy the game at its best. Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or vying for a championship title, the VPRO FLIGHT is designed to help you elevate your game.

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Take your play to the next level with the VPRO FLIGHT ball and experience innovation on the court like never before!

About Vulcan Pickleball

Vulcan Sporting Goods Co. is headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a division of Tanners Team Sports Inc., owned by Smith’s Sporting Group. The Vulcan Pickleball brand is a collision of style, athleticism, and technology with the sport’s largest assortment of pickleball equipment for all ages and abilities. Vulcan Pickleball VPRO FLIGHT is the Official Ball of the Professional Pickleball Association and Major League Pickleball. For more information, visit vulcansportinggoods.com.

SOURCE Vulcan Pickleball

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vulcan-pickleball-continues-to-innovate-with-launch-of-generation-2-vpro-flight-ball-302272178.html

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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Hello, fellow pickleball enthusiasts! You’re in for an exciting ride with the latest episode of “People of Pickleball,” where our beloved host, Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa, sits down with Chris Chu, the innovative founder and president of BOSSPickleball. With a passion for the game and an inventive spirit, Chris shares his personal journey into the world of pickleball and the ingenious development of BOSS Pickleball—a brand that aims to enhance your game with smart training tools.

Getting into the Game

Like many of us, Chris’s journey began with a curious glance toward the local gym, where he found seniors engaged in this wonderfully quirky sport. Intrigued by the challenge and camaraderie, he was captivated by how this sport, that looked deceptively simple, demanded precision and strategy. Going beyond just playing, Chris found himself questioning how he could practice more effectively, leading him into the world of product development.

The Birth of BOSS Pickleball

The episode takes you behind the scenes, sharing how Chris transitioned from a player to an innovator. With a background in producing training tools for other sports, Chris’s inventive mind sprang into action in his garage. After countless prototypes and plenty of trial and error, Chris developed the patent-pending Tension Relief Cord™, a groundbreaking component of BOSSPickleball’s products. This feature is designed to mimic real ball flight, enabling players to practice their dink, drop, and reset shots with precision and confidence.

From Idea to Market Success

Chris’s story is a testament to perseverance and creativity. The episode explores how a simple idea evolved over a year and a half, through many iterations, to become a reliable training tool now embraced by coaches and players alike. His innovative trainers allow users to enhance their muscle memory and develop essential skills without needing a practice partner. Imagine perfecting those crucial moves in your yard, garage, or even your living room!

What’s Next for BOSS Pickleball?

Chris has big plans for his product, striving to break into clubs and become a staple in coaches’ arsenals. He emphasizes the importance of practice, offering the potential for rapid improvement through repeated drills. His vision is to see his product enhance the learning curve for pickleball lovers everywhere, emphasizing the importance of strategic growth and community engagement in the sport.

Wrapping Up

As Chris and Mike discuss during the episode, the future of pickleball looks incredibly bright, filled with innovation and inclusivity. Chris aims to contribute to this momentum by making training accessible and effective for players of all levels. As pickleball continues to grow, we can anticipate new avenues and opportunities for enthusiasts worldwide.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about pickleball and interested in training innovations. Tune in to hear more about Chris’s adventures and insights, and perhaps you’ll find the inspiration to elevate your game with a touch of innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable nuggets that will surely resonate with the pickleball fan in you!

Stay tuned, fellow picklers, and as always, keep playing and keep improving!

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Boss Pickleball

https://www.bosspickle.com/our-story

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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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