Fallout From Shock-Sparks Skirmish
The initial version of this blog post incorrectly reported the cause of Cheryl Ford's injury. She tore her ACL coming down with a rebound with 2:06 to go in the fourth quarter. This version has been corrected.
A WNBA spokesman said today that the league is reviewing tape to determine appropriate action after yesterday's game ended with four people ejected, two technical fouls and one season-ending injury.
To give a sense of the rarity of WNBA suspensions, the AP reported:
In 2005, the Shock's Elaine Powell was suspended five games for striking Washington's Coco Miller during a game. Although Powell has never had the stature of Parker or even Milton-Jones, the league hasn't been shy about suspending a star player. Phoenix's Diana Taurasi served a two-game ban last season for inappropriate conduct toward game officials after a loss to Detroit.
Also, Cheryl Ford will be out the rest of the season after tearing her right ACL coming down with a rebound with 2:06 to go in the fourth quarter. It's a huge blow to the Detroit front court and will greatly impact their options in the post-season.
Finally, sports commenters and the blogosphere have had some interesting takes on the story. Here's a round-up of some of the reactions. I'll add more as I spot them, but feel free to link to your favorites in the comments.
The Seattle Times's Jayda Evans: Return to WNBA Melee
FoxSports.com columnist Jason Whitlock: Don't Make Mahorn the Bad Boy in WNBA Scuffle
WRAL.com's Dave Nathan: Wild Women Attract Attention
Gannett News Service's Mike Lopresti: Brawl Gives WNBA Exposure, Wanted or Not
CBSSports.com columnist Ray Ratto: Girls-Gone-Wild Moment Doesn't Mean WNBA Has Gone to Hell
By
Margaret McElligott
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July 23, 2008; 5:15 PM ET
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Posted by: Zyskandar A Jaimot | July 23, 2008 9:16 PM
What makes me mad is all the snide comments from ignorant males, calling the brawl "the best thing to ever happen to the WNBA." They just have a field day on ESPN.com.
Posted by: Mystics4evr | July 23, 2008 11:01 PM
Just to clarify - Cheryl Ford was actually injured earlier in the game, and that's likely when she tore her ACL. Trying to restrain Pierson (who nearly punched her, by the way) just made it worse.
This being DC, let's get the conspiracy theories rolling. ESPN and the WNBA would no doubt love to see LA and Detroit square off in the finals. Now, how to make that happen...
Posted by: Kande | July 24, 2008 6:12 AM
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The Women's Hoop Game
They run the hardwood floor
like careful commuters
weaving through crazy rush-hour traffic.
Stopping to occasionally put-up 'bricks'.
Snapshots of sometimes off-balance shots,
from women with big-sneakered feet.
But none scowl, mouths open,
like their male counterparts yelling
as if they were 'wild men' painted by Munch.
Hanging from hoops - anger contorted and flexed
in biceps/forearms which showcase
tattoos of high-priced felons out for play.
Like Blanche, women who need hugs
and exist among different teaming
cities of strangers - try not to throw-up or shoot
any airball - airball - airball.
Pretending that the fans, the game, the referees,
and above all rim bounces; will always be kind.