By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Rutgers women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer spoke with passion at a podium in Piscataway, New Jersey Tuesday afternoon.
It's a shame radio host Don Imus didn't do the same when uttering words of racism and bigotry to a national listening audience.
The Rutgers women's basketball team, instead of continuing to savor in the afterglow of an improbable tournament run and beginning preparation for next season, responded with compassion and composure to Imus' words on the national syndicated radio show (WFAN New York and telecast on MSNBC).
"To utter such despicable words are not right, whether spoken by black, white, purple or green," Stringer said. "It's time for everybody to reflect on what's going on. Oh, it's time ladies and gentlemen. It's been time."
Imus caused an uproar when bantering with the show's producer Bernard McGuirk, saying, "that's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos..."
"Some hardcore hos," McGuirk replied.
"That's some nappy-headed hos there, I'm going to tell you that," Imus responded.
Imus was suspended on Monday for two weeks even after making a public apology and appearing on Rev. Al Sharpton's radio show. Sharpton is one of several prominent African American leaders calling for Imus' ouster.
"Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word," a MSNBC spokesperson said late Monday. Imus promised to tone down such heavily sensitive discourse in the future.
The Rutgers women's basketball team plans to sit down with Imus in the coming days, likely sending the message spoken by Essence Carson.
"We ask that you not recognize us in a light as dimly lit as this," said Carson of Imus' remarks. "But in a light that encompasses the great hurdles we've overcome and the goals achieved this season."
Showing posts with label NCAA Women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAA Women. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Rutgers' season ends as Vols reach Summitt
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Pat Summitt captured her seventh national championship -- the first after a nine-year drought -- and Rutgers' fairytale journey from Piscataway to Cleveland ended in heartache, as Tennessee claimed women's college basketball's crown jewel with a 59-46 victory over the Scarlet Knights.
The game pitted two legendary coaches on the court -- and close friends off it-- as one story line, with the match-up featuring a women's basketball juggernaut against a scrappy group that developed an image of rough and tough while storming through Duke and LSU on the way to the title game.
In the end, Candace Parker was too much with 17 points and seven rebounds, and Rutgers' perimeter shooting went cold to the tune of 2-of-10 from beyond the arc.
After making 8-of-10 from long distance in the first half of a 59-35 drubbing of the Tigers in the national semifinal, the Scarlet Knights made just 2-of-10 in the second half.
The trend continued at the worst possible time.
Kia Vaughn led the Scarlet Knights (27-9) with 20 points and 10 rebounds, but star Matee Ajavon finished with only eight points while attempting just nine shots before fouling out.
Tennessee (34-3) wasn't much better from anywhere on the floor at Quicken Loans Arena in the early going, starting 2-of-14 in a game played at Rutgers' liking -- slow and low scoring.
Yet, the Vols out-slugged the Scarlet Knights in the grinding struggle, getting second and third scoring opportunities after Rutgers had played 25-plus seconds of defense.
Nicky Anosike totaled 10 offensive rebounds, as the Vols grabbed a stunning 24 offensive boards to just 18 defensive rebounds.
In the second half, it was the shots that didn't need rebounds that drove a dagger through women's hoops' version of David.
Goliath turned to Shannon Bobbitt, who drained three treys in less than three minutes to build a dwindling advantage.
Her first three followed a Vaughn layup, giving the Vols a 38-28 lead. Her final three capped an 11-2 stretch for a 46-30 advantage. Bobbitt scored 13 points in the victory.
C. Vivian Stringer's face went firmly into her hands, not able to look at a team far different than the club that had dictated play on the way to Cleveland, then continuing the physical play in Saturday's semifinal.
Looking for her first-ever national championship, 25 years after taking Cheyney to the 1982 title game, Stringer watched her club take one more swing at the Vols, drawing within 50-42 on Ajavon's three with just under three minutes to go.
Tennessee -- unlike any of Rutgers' other five opponents -- hit back. Parker buried four free throws and the Scarlet Knights stayed cold from the perimeter as the clock ticked toward the Vols' first national title since 1998.
Despite the early struggles from the floor, Tennessee never trailed by more than two points in the first half and took the lead for good on Alberta Auguste's two free throws with about 9:30 remaining.
The Vols lead 29-18 after 20 minutes.
The Phanatic Magazine
Pat Summitt captured her seventh national championship -- the first after a nine-year drought -- and Rutgers' fairytale journey from Piscataway to Cleveland ended in heartache, as Tennessee claimed women's college basketball's crown jewel with a 59-46 victory over the Scarlet Knights.
The game pitted two legendary coaches on the court -- and close friends off it-- as one story line, with the match-up featuring a women's basketball juggernaut against a scrappy group that developed an image of rough and tough while storming through Duke and LSU on the way to the title game.
In the end, Candace Parker was too much with 17 points and seven rebounds, and Rutgers' perimeter shooting went cold to the tune of 2-of-10 from beyond the arc.
After making 8-of-10 from long distance in the first half of a 59-35 drubbing of the Tigers in the national semifinal, the Scarlet Knights made just 2-of-10 in the second half.
The trend continued at the worst possible time.
Kia Vaughn led the Scarlet Knights (27-9) with 20 points and 10 rebounds, but star Matee Ajavon finished with only eight points while attempting just nine shots before fouling out.
Tennessee (34-3) wasn't much better from anywhere on the floor at Quicken Loans Arena in the early going, starting 2-of-14 in a game played at Rutgers' liking -- slow and low scoring.
Yet, the Vols out-slugged the Scarlet Knights in the grinding struggle, getting second and third scoring opportunities after Rutgers had played 25-plus seconds of defense.
Nicky Anosike totaled 10 offensive rebounds, as the Vols grabbed a stunning 24 offensive boards to just 18 defensive rebounds.
In the second half, it was the shots that didn't need rebounds that drove a dagger through women's hoops' version of David.
Goliath turned to Shannon Bobbitt, who drained three treys in less than three minutes to build a dwindling advantage.
Her first three followed a Vaughn layup, giving the Vols a 38-28 lead. Her final three capped an 11-2 stretch for a 46-30 advantage. Bobbitt scored 13 points in the victory.
C. Vivian Stringer's face went firmly into her hands, not able to look at a team far different than the club that had dictated play on the way to Cleveland, then continuing the physical play in Saturday's semifinal.
Looking for her first-ever national championship, 25 years after taking Cheyney to the 1982 title game, Stringer watched her club take one more swing at the Vols, drawing within 50-42 on Ajavon's three with just under three minutes to go.
Tennessee -- unlike any of Rutgers' other five opponents -- hit back. Parker buried four free throws and the Scarlet Knights stayed cold from the perimeter as the clock ticked toward the Vols' first national title since 1998.
Despite the early struggles from the floor, Tennessee never trailed by more than two points in the first half and took the lead for good on Alberta Auguste's two free throws with about 9:30 remaining.
The Vols lead 29-18 after 20 minutes.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Temple extends Staley
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Temple University women's head basketball coach Dawn Staley signed a six-year contract extension on Thursday.
"We are pleased to announce that Dawn Staley will continue to serve as the head coach of the Temple University women's basketball program," said Temple University president Ann Weaver Hart. "Dawn has made Temple one of the top women's basketball programs in the nation, and she has done it the right way."
The Philadelphia native is a two-time Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year(2004, 2005) and has guided the Owls to four conference championships over the past seven seasons. Her best season came in 2004-05 when she led Temple to a 28-4 overall mark, and a perfect 16-0 record in A-10 play.
Staley also made history at Temple when her 2004-05 team became the first-ever Owl women's basketball squad to garner a national ranking.
Staley was a three-time All-American while starring at the University of Virginia (1989-92), where she helped the team to a 110-21 record and four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, three of which led to the Final Four.
In the pros, Staley is a five-time WNBA All-Star and was selected to the league's All-Decade Team. She is also a three-time Olympic gold medalist forTeam USA.
"Dawn Staley has excelled in every aspect of her life -- as a student-athlete, as a professional player, as an Olympian and here at Temple as a head coach,"said Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw. "She has inspired young women throughout her life, and given back to the community through the Dawn Staley Foundation. She is a Philadelphia icon and provides Temple women's basketball with an image commensurate with the University's mission of access to excellence."
The Phanatic Magazine
Temple University women's head basketball coach Dawn Staley signed a six-year contract extension on Thursday.
"We are pleased to announce that Dawn Staley will continue to serve as the head coach of the Temple University women's basketball program," said Temple University president Ann Weaver Hart. "Dawn has made Temple one of the top women's basketball programs in the nation, and she has done it the right way."
The Philadelphia native is a two-time Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year(2004, 2005) and has guided the Owls to four conference championships over the past seven seasons. Her best season came in 2004-05 when she led Temple to a 28-4 overall mark, and a perfect 16-0 record in A-10 play.
Staley also made history at Temple when her 2004-05 team became the first-ever Owl women's basketball squad to garner a national ranking.
Staley was a three-time All-American while starring at the University of Virginia (1989-92), where she helped the team to a 110-21 record and four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, three of which led to the Final Four.
In the pros, Staley is a five-time WNBA All-Star and was selected to the league's All-Decade Team. She is also a three-time Olympic gold medalist forTeam USA.
"Dawn Staley has excelled in every aspect of her life -- as a student-athlete, as a professional player, as an Olympian and here at Temple as a head coach,"said Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw. "She has inspired young women throughout her life, and given back to the community through the Dawn Staley Foundation. She is a Philadelphia icon and provides Temple women's basketball with an image commensurate with the University's mission of access to excellence."
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Stepping Down from Changing Nation
By Jared TrexlerThe Phanatic Magazine
To touch this fragile, polarizing issue with a 10-foot pole -- especially in the face of the tight-lipped, politically-correct Penn State hierarchy -- requires the courage athletic director Tim Curley never had.
Curley should have fired Rene Portland years ago. Back when bigotry, hate and sexual inequality were accepted in Newt Gingrich's "Contract for America." Back when it was unpopular, but also the morally correct course of action.
You see, Curley has run a pristine athletic department on the fields/courts since taking over the multi-million dollar conglomeration in 1993. Squads have won 11 NCAA championships, 46 Big Ten titles, and during a semi-recent visit to the University Park campus, NCAA President Myles Brand stated, "Penn State is the poster college for doing things right in college sports."
True -- if the poster either didn't include Portland or placed her on the corner of University Drive and Atherton Street with a large sign reading, "Accepting non-lesbians only."
Looked at again through rose-colored glasses, Penn State has finished in the Top 25 of the Director's Cup since its inception 13 years ago. Excluding girls who like kissing each other minus far too many Bud Lights.
For the third time in the last five years, Penn State student athletes posted the highest graduation rate among all 119 Division 1-A public institutions. Except the woman-loving female student athletes -- they were reportedly demoralized emotionally and mentally by Portland's scare tactics and intolerable behavior.
Most of them -- including those who detailed such unspeakable actions in a chilling ESPN investigative piece last year -- left before obtaining a Penn State diploma. After all, why would any college female shunned by the coach who vowed to protect her when walking into her parents' home stay to collect a piece of paper leaking hate on a personal level?
Many past improprieties were swept under the rug found inside Curley's office, until former guard Jennifer Harris stood up not just to Portland, but a collective group of university suits.
It was the toughest defense Harris ever faced.
The allegations eventually reached the courtroom in a 2005 lawsuit, where Harris pointed the finger at Portland for "humiliating, berating and ostracizing" her. Harris, who vehemently denies she is gay, also proclaimed that the head coach told her to be "more feminine," trying to force her to quit the team.
Portland stated that Harris' dismissal was completely basketball related.
The university underwent an internal investigation, resulting in a $10,000 fine and a threat that any future violation of the school's discrimination policy would lead to her dismissal. She was also ordered to take professional development classes.
After basically, in legal speak, admitting Portland's guilt, the university gave her a slap on the wrist instead of what she justly deserved -- a kick in the ass with the door hitting her on the way out.
If Harris' claims of Portland's "no drinking, no drugs, no lesbians," policy are true, Penn State's discrimination document in turn carries no clout -- especially when dealing with a highly-successful basketball coach bringing in millions of dollars and national exposure on a yearly basis.
But, despite Portland's vehement denials to the contrary, how could Harris and several others who stepped forward be wrong? Proof is in print with Portland telling the Chicago Sun-Times in 1986 that she didn't allow lesbians to play on her team. In a 1991 Philadelphia Inquirer piece, several former players, recruits and colleagues admitted the coach didn't tolerate homosexuality among her players.
Yet, the words fell on blind eyes. And yells for help fell on deaf ears. The nation's cultural base was not ready for same-sex relationships, choosing to blame personal choices and ostracizing "fags" or "dikes."
Penn State University was part of that problem. Portland was a success, winning her 600th game earlier this season, and no one had ever truly challenged her tyranny.
Especially considering head football coach Joe Paterno hired Portland -- the only head hire he ever made as the school's athletic director.
Turned out to be a bad one.
For the most part, Penn State does things the right way. Paterno runs a relatively clean football program and the department as a whole represents the NCAA well and graduates its players.
But, when Curley can release a statement Thursday showing "appreciation for what Rene has done for the women's basketball program," and proclaiming she had a "positive impact on the lives of student-athletes and others outside the basketball program" I question the principles.
Not the principles of a nation when Curley took over in 1993, but the ever-evolving acceptance of lesbians and gays during 2007. There is still hatred, still years and years of struggle ahead for this sector of our nation, but progress to ONE basket on ONE floor is driven to a Princeton-like tempo when the leader is weak.
Portland finally stepped down Thursday -- years after she should have been given the chance to. Now, Penn State has some explaining to do.
Don't count on it. The sounds of the weak usually resemble complete silence.
----
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com
Rene Portland resigns at Penn State
Amidst recent controversy regarding treatment toward supposed lesbian basketball players and a settled lawsuit that followed, Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland resigned Thursday.
Portland faced several discrimination allegations during her stay in Happy Valley, most notably a lawsuit settled with former guard Jennifer Harris, who claimed the coach had a "no-lesbian" policy on her team.
Early this season, Portland became the ninth women's basketball coach to win 600 games at one school. She leaves with two years left on her contract, and one year removed from the Harris' situation, which drew national interest and led to a damaging investigative piece against Portland on ESPN.
The Phanatic Magazine's Jared Trexler will have a look at the decision's societal impact later in the day.
Portland faced several discrimination allegations during her stay in Happy Valley, most notably a lawsuit settled with former guard Jennifer Harris, who claimed the coach had a "no-lesbian" policy on her team.
Early this season, Portland became the ninth women's basketball coach to win 600 games at one school. She leaves with two years left on her contract, and one year removed from the Harris' situation, which drew national interest and led to a damaging investigative piece against Portland on ESPN.
The Phanatic Magazine's Jared Trexler will have a look at the decision's societal impact later in the day.
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