Whether it’s the men on the internet or in reality, a conversation has to be had about the misogyny and sexism that exists in sports.
Former NBA player, Jeff Teague and guests made some disparaging comments about the WNBA and some of their elite stars, specifically Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese and reigning MVP, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson.
While on his podcast, “Club520”, Jeff Teague was asked if he thought that A’Ja Wilson could take on any current NBA players and he doubled down on the idea that the 2x WNBA champion and three-time MVP would not beat her male counterparts on any level, including G-league, college, and high school.
Teague continued the rant by making some comments about rookie Caitlin Clark. He didn’t believe that Caitlin Clark could even touch Lakers G-League star, Bronny James.
He said, “Caitlin would not score a point on Bronny,” Teague said. “She would not even get a shot off.”
Of course, a lot of men agreed with what Teague said.
One user on x.com said, ” I’d take alijah arenas over the entire wnba right now”
X.com/willchairwang
“Y’all mad at Jeff Teague???
I heard the clip the other day ???????????? I didn’t think he said anything wrong.
But maybe I’m tripping” another user said.
X.com/sistasonthesofa
“Bruh ain’t no way you telling me Aja Wilson not beating Derrick White 1-on-1 rn today, I don’t believe it” chimed another user.
X.com/young_king_kush
On X.com, women who are fans of not just the WNBA but women’s sports, are not only defending A’ja Wilson but other women athletes in general.
One user said, “There’s absolutely no room in sports for disrespect and misogyny. Fu*k Jeff Teague and his podcast. That’s why Boardroom didn’t recognize that bullsh*t. A’ja, Angel and the women of the W don’t deserve that. NBA legends gotta start calling this vitriol out.”
X.com/TashaDeidre
Another user said, “Jeff Teague, Charleston White and the other men on that podcast have the collective IQ of a Big Mac and it shows every time they open their mouth. Lame niggas can’t hide for very long their true colors will begin to show soon enough.”
X.com/MVPREESE
“Just seen that Jeff Teague clip bro wtf are we actually doing. Just the most sexist, misogynistic sh*t you’ve ever heard. Unedited and said with the all the confidence in the world knowing it will go unchecked. Take these dudes mics away man. & Shaq you are not innocent either!”
X.com/Kenzie4bs
Another user said, “A’ja Wilson and Angel Reese don’t bother anybody. They literally play ball while sitting pretty. Please leave them alone and find you something safe to do…like playing in traffic.”
X.com/normanifiedd
Now that the comments have went viral, Teague is facing some backlash from the public.
He should face more than backlash. If companies were so big on inclusion and equality as they say they are, they would drop their sponsorship from the show as a form of solidarity with women’s sports.
The elders in sports should also start speaking up for the female counterparts to give a sense of solidarity.
In a perfect world, people would do the right thing. We expect them to do the right thing, but the fact is, they won’t.
As a former athlete, I am offended and appalled but not surprised at how in the year of 2024 we are still dealing with sexism and misogyny in sports.
These women work so hard to be the best at their sport, they deserve all of the accolades and respect just as their male counterparts do.
I think that athletes should just stop entertaining this foolishness and start boycotting some of these podcasts especially when they start degrading female athletes.
True enough, the debate will never go away from the sports lexicon, but respect has to be put on women’s athletics overall.
Moving forward, let’s put some RESPECT on the women’s names across the board.
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