Sports journalist Rob Parker said at a Harvard Institute of Politics forum on Tuesday that women should be more active in supporting the Women's National Basketball Association and other women's sports.
The event, moderated by Ken Miles, executive director of the Center for Inclusive Innovation and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania, featured Parker, WNBA player and president of the WNBA Players Association, and Amber K., assistant district attorney for Travis County, Texas. Mr. appeared. . Goodwin.
During the panel discussion, Ogwumike commented on the gender disparity within the sports industry, saying that women have to rely on sponsorship deals rather than playing sports to earn a living.
Parker pushed back, claiming that “women don't support the WNBA or some of these sports enough for me.”
“Ladies, have you ever taken your boyfriend on a date or brought a friend or someone to a WNBA game?” he added. “Most women say they've never been there.”
The two had an argument, and Ogwumike asked Parker to explain why he thought this phenomenon would continue.
“I don't understand why women don't support each other,” Parker said.
Parker interrupted Ogwumike several times during the conversation, retorting to her, “I wasn't finished with my thoughts yet.”
A member of the audience also came to her defense, shouting from the back of the room for Parker to finish Ogwumike.
Goodwin, founder of Community Justice and the Community Justice Action Fund, then gave a presentation, pointing out existing structures within competitions that prevent women from participating more fully.
“Men created the system, which probably prevents women from being a part of it,” she says.
Ogwumike also highlighted how systemic inequalities contribute to women's “loss of interest” in women's athletics, rather than women refusing to support them.
“Young girls have been told, 'Instead of 'You can grow up and play in the WNBA,' you can grow up and have a great family. You can grow up and find a good husband,'” she said. said.
During the forum, panelists highlighted several specific examples of athletes who have stood up for equality.
Parker talked about the exploitation of black players, citing former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling, who was caught on audio making racist comments about players.
After the recording was released, the players threatened to boycott future playoff games, and Sterling was subsequently banned from the NBA for life.
“No money please,” Parker said. “Stop allowing us to make money from people who look like us without being held accountable.”
Ogwumike also cited the case of Kelly L. Loeffler as further evidence of the power of collective protest by athletes. Loeffler, who ran for the Georgia Senate in 2020, faced intense criticism for racist aspects of her campaign and was removed as an owner of the Atlanta Dream.
Many WNBA players wore “Vote Warnock” shirts to support Loeffler's Democratic opponent, Raphael G. Warnock, who narrowly won an election in early 2021.
“Let's demonstrate how important it is to elect people who represent our values,” Ogwumike said.
Panelists emphasized the importance of working together to fight for greater equality in American sports.
“The players have the ultimate power in this country,” Parker said.
Ogwumike also pointed to the need for collaboration across identities.
“Feminism is not exclusive,” Ogwumike said. “It needs male champions.”
