I don't know a lot about women's basketball. Yet, I did catch the end of the game of LSU vs Iowa. I was struck by the pizazz of the players and happy to see women athletes getting so much attention. I'm old enough to remember a time when most girls were not allowed to play on most sports teams. The rise in women's sports has been a terrific positive change in USA culture.
After the game, I was sad to see the focus in the media shift away from the game itself to lots of critique about individual players. Also, there was the White House misstep in changing precedent by inviting both the winning and losing finalist teams to the White House. In many ways, it seemed like old time racist attitudes and mindsets had infiltrated the situation. I ached watching this happen, and thought a lot about why it happened and how we can all learn from situations like this.
First of all, this situation demonstrated that we still have a ways to go when it comes to respecting women's sports with the depth and breadth needed. And, rather than make projections about athlete's behavior or choices, make the time to talk directly to those athletes and let them tell their story in their way--let them own the moment. Also, we have to think deeply before we change precedent--we can't just make that change without consulting others.
I believe the LSU coach has what it takes to help navigate this situation with her team in positive ways. I also believe that the error made at The White House was not made to harm or hurt anyone, but instead made without knowledge of the complexity involved here. Finally, I continue to admire the athleticism, personality, and strength these athletes displayed. We're definitely at a better place when it comes to women's sports, but clearly there's a way to go too. Onward.