http://active.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/71954195_1.jpg
Last week in the Chicago Tribune's Redeye, I read that Tennessee basketball star Candace Parker dunked again--but this time she was whistled for a technical foul for showboating.
Parker had her fifth career dunk, and third this season, with 12:56 left in the first half of the Lady Vols game against West Virginia. She stole the ball at one end and jammed it with one hand at the end of a fast break. This time Parker's dunk was more emphatic with the rim making a louder thud, and she finished by popping her jersey. That led officials to confer with each other, and a technical was called.
I can't help but thinking how many male college basketball players dunk the ball and then showboat afterwards, playing to the cameras--not only not getting called for technicals, but being admired as superior athletes. I will admit, I appreciate athletes who put their head down and get their work done, hustling in a unflashy manner. Nonetheless, for those who dunk the ball and pop their jersey to represent their team or even themselves, shouldn't men and women get equal treatment?
(Photo provided by AFP, taken by Mauricio Lima)
Raven:I think the whole matter is ridiculous... I can't help but feel like the issuing of the technical has some link to the stereotyping of women and this idea they have as far as how women are supposed to carry themselves... I know Candace personally and she's always been a "showy" type of player. That doesn't make her a bad person... it may be seen as cocky to many people but I'd be pretty proud of myself too if I was one of the very few women that could dunk. Bottom line... have the same rules apply to women as they do for men... I can't even begin to list the numerous times I've seen men exhibit even more emotion after a big play and get patted on the back for it... but Candace gets reprimanded for it? I don't think so.... I say good for her and WHEN she dunks again, she should do a back flip for all I care!! haha 1:31pm Dec 27