Sports & Society
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Ref Che Flores comes out as trans
Former NCAA and current NBA referee has come out publicly as trans and nonbinary in an interview with GQ. They are the first trans referee in major US pro sports.
This Week in Women’s Basketball: Mercury miss mark with head coach hire
Amidst much positive progress for the WNBA and women’s basketball at large, the Phoenix Mercury’s head coaching hire hits like a speed bump. Here’s more on the Mercury’s decision and other women’s hoops news.
This Week in Women’s Basketball: WNBA celebrates viewership, attendance growth
While most recent women’s hoops news highlights the celebratory-worthy growth of women’s basketball, other items distressingly remind of the scourge of domestic violence in sports.
“We Play Too,” a new women’s basketball comic book
Available in comic and magna versions, "We Play Too" chronicles what life is like for women athletes outside the WNBA.
The incredible journey of Karen Stack Umlauf
Northwestern’s Director of Basketball Operations Karen Stack Umlauf reminisces with us on how she became the first woman to serve as a coach for the Chicago Bulls.
Happy Mamba Day...but should women’s basketball fans celebrate it?
More than three years after his death, it is still hard to settle on how Kobe Bryant should be remembered by women’s sports fans.
Dr. Jen Fry talks double standard seen with Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark
Jen Fry, a public speaker and expert on anti-racism and equity in sports, spoke with Swish Appeal’s Zachary Draves about the unfair backlash Angel Reese faced for her national championship game celebration.
A reminder of Maya Moore’s greatness on the court and homage paid to her new path
Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx and UConn Huskies is one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. Her rare and admirable decision to step away in her prime is what defines her as a person.
Triple Threat Podcast: Memphis backcourt’s got style
The Triple Threat Podcast shows some love to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Triple Threat Podcast: How about the Jazz, Blazers and Cavs?!
The Triple Threat Podcast talks more about Kyrie Irving and Joshua Primo, but how about showing some love to the teams actually getting it done on the court? The gang does just that, praising the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Triple Threat Podcast: Russell Westbrook a big part of Lakers’ first win
The Bonnet Gang checks in on the state of the Los Angeles Lakers and much more.
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The complexity of Brittney Griner’s imprisonment, explained
SB Nation writer James Dator takes a look at why Brittney Griner probably won’t come home until after the midterm elections.
Triple Threat Podcast: Defending Malika Andrews and football players’ safety
The Bonnet Gang goes after Malika Andrews haters and NFL doctors.
Mulkey’s lack of comment on BG speaks volumes
Recently asked to share her thoughts about Brittney Griner, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey resisted, refusing to offer a comment that expressed sympathy for the best player that she has ever coached. Does Mulkey deserve the benefit of the doubt for her decision to demur?
Hoops Passport: New York City episode is out on SI’s YouTube channel
Dive into the world of New York City basketball with Sports Illustrated’s new YouTube show Hoops Passport.
Hoops Passport: Washington, D.C. episode is out on SI’s YouTube channel
Dive into the world of Washington, D.C. basketball with Sports Illustrated’s new YouTube show Hoops Passport.
Renee Montgomery tells the story of legendary basketball and tennis star Ora Washington in new podcast
Never heard of the Serena Williams of the 1920s and 30s? Well, Renee Montgomery is here to tell you all about Ora Washington, a legendary Black female athlete whose story has been kept in the shadows.
New show ‘Hoops Passport’ brings out unique basketball flavor of different cities
Chloe Pavlech and "Lethal Shooter" Chris Matthews host the new show, which can be seen on Sports Illustrated’s YouTube channel.
It’s time for the WNBA to follow the example of AD
The Atlanta Dream’s AD is the first player in WNBA history to have their official name be a set of initials. As Pride Month 2022 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for the WNBA to follow their example.
Rest in peace Lusia “Lucy” Harris
One of the greatest basketball players of all time passes away at age 66 and is being honored for her pioneering career.
To Jessika Carter: You are not alone
Hi, this is Zack Ward, site manager at Swish Appeal. I am taking a moment to raise awareness about mental health and thank Jessika Carter for sending good vibes by announcing that she has combatted and defeated suicidal thoughts. I too have fought that battle.
Women’s NCAA tournament is now ‘March Madness’
Last week, the NCAA announced that the "March Madness" slogan will extend to the women’s basketball tournament. Is this a mere descriptive distinction without a difference? Or, will being part of "March Madness" matter for women’s college hoops?
NIL agreements could expose enduring racial, sexual inequities
This new era of opportunity for college athletes carries with it old, enduring inequities, especially regarding how an athlete’s racial and/or sexual identity determines her "value."
Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22.5 years in prison
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22.5 years in jail for the murder of George Floyd.
Stewie’s shoe deal is cause for celebration, consideration
Last week, Breanna Stewart not only announced that she has signed a shoe deal with Puma, but that she also will become the first WNBA or NBA player to have a Puma signature shoe. While Stewie’s signature represents long-overdue progress, it also is important to recognize that more progress is required.
Barnes, Staley and the state of Black women head coaches
In leading Arizona and South Carolina to the Final Four, head coaches Adia Barnes and Dawn Staley put the spotlight on Black women head coaches, showing what can happen when they are given a fair opportunity. Will their success change how Black women coaching prospects are considered?
Investment, not an investigation, can solve the NCAA’s gender equity issues
In response to the resource disparities in the women’s and men’s NCAA basketball tournament bubbles, the NCAA has hired an outside law firm to investigate issues of gender inequity across all NCAA championships. However, an investigation cannot "solve" the NCAA’s gender problems. The NCAA’s unequal consideration of women athletes is a symptom of deeper cultural attitudes.
A’ja Wilson expands understanding of mental health
From the outside, A’ja Wilson’s past year seems incredible. Not long after the 2020 WNBA MVP led the Las Vegas Aces to the WNBA Finals, the University of South Carolina honored her with a statue. Yet, as she shared in an essay in The Players’ Tribune, things were more complicated. Her revelations help to expand the conversation about mental health, especially for Black women.
Gabby Williams muscles into the mainstream
WNBA fans are used to seeing Gabby Williams "show some muscle" in her Chicago Sky blue uniform. Now, a new partnership with Ford gives her the platform to smash outdated gender mandates and send a powerful message on women’s equality.
Clarendon on being ‘magically trans,’ fighting anti-trans legislation
After announcing on Jan. 29 that they had undergone successful top surgery, New York Liberty guard Layshia Clarendon spoke with ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio about the wave of bills sweeping the nation that seek to limit trans rights.
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Cloud: Inauguration Day brought tears, ‘a sense of hope’
WNBA champion Natasha Cloud spoke with Outsports recently and reflected on her journey toward embracing her bisexual and biracial identities, and explained why Inauguration Day was emotional for her.
Asia Durr’s basketball career is in jeopardy due to COVID-19
"Complicated and arduous" is how Asia Durr characterized her battle with COVID-19 when announcing she’d been medically excused from the 2020 WNBA season. The New York Liberty guard revealed on the season-opening episode of HBO’s "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" that she has no timetable for recovery and no guarantee she can return to basketball.