"Women's undergarments are still often about selling
sex. ... But from now on, thanks to Brandi Chastain's little
gesture, they also represent strength, success and a new,
comfortable place for the women's movement," according to
NBC's Jonathan Alter, who examined the impact of Brandi
Chastain's jersey toss on the "Today" show. Women's Sports
& Fitness Magazine Editor Lucy Danziger, interviewed by
Katie Couric, said that she saw Chastain as "an athlete. I
saw her just acting the same way a guy would," but men
"can't help but see [Chastain] as an object of desire. ...
But I think that's progress because she has these great
muscles." Couric: "It's so great to have another image of
American beauty rather than those girls ... in the Victoria
Secret commercials. At least for women." Couric, on Nike:
"They're loving the exposure, by the way." Danziger: "Yes.
It helps. It helps sell their $40 product" (NBC, 7/13).
PLANS AT NIKE? USA TODAY's Wells & Oldenburg report
that Nike "might tap" Chastain for "promotional appearances
or advertising" around its $40 Inner Active sports bra, set
to hit stores July 25. Nike Communications Manager Dean
Stoyer, on Chastain: "She has definitely opened the door for
a lot of possibilities." Nike is "looking into buying the
rights to use some of the photos taken of Chastain's shirt-
ripping moment," but said that Chastain "won't receive money
for the exposure she gave the product." Stoyer: "I think
it's great that she got all this attention. But there's no
plan to give her any additional compensation." Ad exec
Michael Dweck, on Chastain's fit with the company:
"Chastain's not a prissy girl. Nike wants to be affiliated
with athletes that push to be the very best at their sport"
(USA TODAY, 7/13)....A CHARLOTTE OBSERVER cartoon shows the
Statue of Liberty on her knees, robe in hand, revealing a
black sports bra, in a Chastain-like celebration pose.
THE BABE FACTOR: Playboy Enterprises Dir of
Communications Bill Farley said an "appearance by the team
in Playboy would be extremely popular. To date, however, we
have received no indication that a photo layout for us is in
their game plan" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/13). In
Philadelphia, Bonnie Erbe: "Should feminists put down,
upbraid or scorn the babe factor? No. They should applaud,
support and promote it for all it's worth. Because it may
be (among many others) one of the key factors in finding
advertising and financial support for a professional women's
soccer league" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/13).
