ESPNW's Mechelle Voepel wrote an open letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, noting he was "probably attempting to have a thoughtful and frank conversation" with last week's comments at the SBJ/SBD Game Changers regarding the WNBA's progress after 19 seasons and that it probably was not his "intent to dump cold water over the WNBA on the day the league playoffs started." Voepel wrote, "I'm not saying you shouldn't express anything that could be perceived as negative about the WNBA. But did you consider how a comment like that would be disseminated?" She added, "I'm puzzled by how publicly stated hazy dissatisfaction fits into your leadership role. It set a gloomy tone on the day when the WNBA's MVP was in action to start the postseason." Silver last week noted there was "virtually no coverage" leading into the playoffs, but Voepel listed media coverage that disputes his statement. She wrote, "If you're looking for your NBA 'big-timers' from the media to cover the WNBA, good luck. They've virtually never covered women's basketball, and I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for them to start. I would advise, though, trying to get a better grasp on the network of traditional media, social media denizens, bloggers, freelancers, podcasters and 'superfans' who closely follow the WNBA not just all season but all year." She concluded, "Bottom line: I fully realize the WNBA is still in growth mode, and it has presented some frustrating issues that have no easy answers. But I respectfully ask that next time, you carefully consider the sound bites you serve up about the WNBA" (ESPNW.com, 9/18). Voepel on Saturday posted a tweet that reads, "Had good conversation w/ NBA exec re: open letter to Adam Silver. Think we understand where each other is coming from, want best for WNBA" (TWITTER.com, 9/19).
