In the Saturday Fever/Sky game was a play that ignited a viral discussion about hard fouls, flops and racism. The WWF has a tried and true formula to get and keep people interested and watching. The formula? Right out of my book, Media MedEvac. “Your anger and hatred equals their profit.” The WWF creates the bad guy and then builds up the hero. You watch, well maybe not you, but some people.. watch to see the bad guy get what’s coming to him. The WNBA has allowed and even encouraged the Reese / Clark rivalry. For the very same marketing effect. I agree with what Jason Whitlock is saying. However, I think he is missing the bigger game being played. Watch his take. It’s a few minutes. I have more to say afterward. The picture is linked to the video on FB.
I played college basketball. Clark’s foul, though deliberate, wasn’t that hard. Good players who are fouled like that know to expect it on occasion. You shake it off. Make your foul shots and keep playing. “Hack-A-Shaq.” Anyone? Reese flopped. End of story.
But, but, but.. Reese has a jealous chip on her shoulder. She has been allowed to cultivate her high profile dislike of Clark. I, for one, think it’s mostly for show. Reese leads the “people only like Clark because she is white” montra because she can, it is allowed, and a certain number of viewers watch to see the hopeful confrontations between her and Clark.
In my view, it’s unnecessary and pathetic. Clark has a skill set sky scraper levels above Reese. The WNBA and ESPN know that. They continually point out the “greatness” of the other players in the league. A pure DEI move in that, guess what? Not many people had been watching WNBA games until Clark came into the league last year. They also know exactly what they are doing with this move. Your anger and hate? Cha-ching.
The big picture band is playing. They’re hoping you don’t see it. They’re counting on it. Literally. Risking hurting their golden goose Clark is sick and irresponsible. I watch Clark because she is a phenom. A player with Jordan, Tiger, Magic, Bird, Annika level 4D skills. She is amazing to watch. I couldn’t care less if her skin was green. Turn the music sheet WNBA. We spit your bait out and choose to dance to reality.