WNBA Criticized For Length, Severity Of Suspensions From Fight

Some Questioning Length, Severity Of WNBA Suspensions Stemming From Sparks-Shock Fight

HITTING BACK: In N.Y., Harvey Araton writes a "better idea would have been one game for all the players while making an example of Mahorn, who got off lightly with a two-game suspension for escalating the episode from a position of responsibility by putting his hands" on Sparks C Lisa Leslie. There is "no pattern of WNBA violence and ... the rare free-for-all may actually help the league more than hurt it." Araton: "The WNBA, where hostility happens, and why not? It was never intended to be a sewing circle. ... A sports culture that historically has preferred its female athletic icons ponytailed or pixie-framed could stand a little reconditioning on the appeal of strong, aggressive women, who not only can dunk but can dish it out" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/25). TNT's Charles Barkley said the fight "wasn't that big of a deal." Barkley: "Just because they are women they are making it a big deal. Guys get into fights all the time and it's not a big deal." Barkley added, "The WNBA used to suck. ... Now, I wish people would give the WNBA a chance. They finally got enough good players to supplement the whole WNBA" (FANNATION.AOL.com, 7/25). The Atlanta Constitution’s Terence Moore: “Here’s the big picture: nobody cared about the WNBA until this happened. … It’s going to help the sport tremendously” (“Jim Rome Is Burning,” ESPN, 7/24).

WRONG KIND OF  BUZZ? In Pittsburgh, Larry Lage writes, "Rare buzz was generated for the WNBA by the skirmish, but the source of the spotlight doesn't thrill the league." Orender: "There's no doubt that there has been a tremendous amount of attention, but it's not the type of attention that we seek" (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 7/25). In DC, Mike Fratto writes the WNBA has "envisioned [Parker] as a draw to generate more interest in the league." And while the league this week has "received increased national attention," it has "nothing to do with Parker's talent" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/25). San Diego-based XX-AM sports talk show host Billy Ray Smith said of the suspension, "Suspensions? They ought to get raises. They've never had that much exposure" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 7/25).

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