A melee broke out in a basketball game at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Tuesday night—and no, Ron Artest was not in the vicinity.
It's summer time, which means that the teams hoopin' are in the WNBA.
Its newest campaign tells viewers to expect "great," but who would have ever expected a fight?
In a great battle between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Detroit Shock, what will probably be remembered most is the bench-clearing brawl that broke out in the waning moments of the game. And perhaps what is more shocking than that is the superstar female athlete involved.
Unfortunately, the WNBA's newest sensation will be on ESPN all day for all the wrong reasons. Yes, the same woman who appeared harmless while racking up all those ESPY awards Sunday night turned pugnacious in a 48-hour span.
Candace Parker, whose has really been tearing up the league in her rookie campaign, got into a physical confrontation with Shock forward Plenette Pierson with less than five seconds left in the game, and as a result the brawl ensued. Three players were ejected, and even the Shock assistant coach—former NBA tough guy Rick Mahorn—got involved into the mess (the bad boy has apparently turned good, and he appeared to be breaking it up).
In the aftermath of the WNBA's first full-scale brawl, commentator Dorris Burke sounded utterly disgusted. Burke is a connoisseur of both the men's and women's game and is constantly trying to defend the constantly criticized league. So when she described the players actions as "classless and without dignity," it definitely caught my attention.
Fights happen in sports, but that does not mean they should be accepted. Sometimes things get out of hand, but I believe it is the fault of both the coaches and referees when things do escalate. Refereeing in the WNBA is worse than terrible, and in some ways they are more responsible for the players who take swings.
Candace Parker reacted in a way that most competitors would in the heat of the moment. For instance, on the play immediately before the female Lebron James turned into the female Kimbo Slice, Parker got into a little skirmish with Shock player Cheryl Ford after the whistle.
At that point, it was painfully obvious that both sides were testy. Double technicals should have been handed out, serving as a warning to the players and allowing the coaches to settle them down.
Unfortunately this did not occur, and it only proves my hypothesis that the WNBA does a poor job of protecting and projecting its marquee athletes.
People who love sports love to watch people with exceptional skills compete. Even in boxing, a sport of fighting, we admire guys like Floyd Mayweather Jr.—not for the fact that he throws punches, but for the tactical way in which he does it. We respect that he wages war with other fighter's minds, and uses his wit, skills and athleticism to defeat them.
Fights in basketball occur, but they're usually not positive. Instead, they are only romanticized when they are a part of something bigger. Carmelo Anthony fighting in New York is something that has tainted his image—yet the classic fights in the 80s between the Celtics and the Lakers are glorified because they serve as pieces of a monumental rivalry.
But with women fighting still being a little taboo, and the WNBA still somewhat fighting (no pun intended) for mainstream acceptance, it raises the question of how this fight will be remembered.
Is the fight good for the league? I honestly believe in a way it can be. Not because everyone loves to see a good chick fight, or because any publicity is good publicity.
But when Candace Parker came into the league, and everyone anointed her as the savior, I told anyone who would listen to fall back. The league will be saved by quality teams who play quality basketball, not by one girl who can barely dunk (not hating, because at least she can).
Tuesday night's game was a great display of women's basketball between two teams that could potentially meet in the Finals. If that were to take place, the fight would be a good thing. The matchup would be more intriguing and possibly attract more viewers.
And that's exactly what the WNBA needs. People may realize that they really should Expect Great(ness), and that most of these females can really hoop.
But on the other hand, I think Lisa Leslie said it best at the end of the game. Visibily holding back tears, she said something to the effect of "this is not the way we want the game to be represented". It's as simple as that.
If Candace Parker does not clean up her act, the Detroit Shock their play—and most importantly, the referees their approach—an ugly brawl will serve as a dark cloud over the league that plays basketball in its purest form.
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2 months ago
What it means?
It means that, since these were NOT BLACK MALES fighting, then;
it'll all blow over like, an MLB Caucasoid pitcher *getting wrecked* between the mound and home-plate, for head-hunting, or...like a Caucasoid NHL Hockey-assassin ending a guy's career OR drunk-driving and ending a teammates Life!
IOW, no big deal!
from 2 months ago
The Caucasian race, sometimes called the Caucasoid race,[1][2] is a concept 19th to early 20th c. scientific racism. This typological method was discredited and the concept is not relied on in scientific work related to humans
It may blow over like your boy Pacman getting an innocent guy shot/paralyzed in Vegas, or Chris Henry's multiple DUI's, or Bills RB Marshawn Lynch pleading guilty to failure to exercise due care, avoiding charges of hit-and-run.....
Aren't you tired of me embarrassing your simpleton racist transparent ideology?
from 2 months ago
LOL, Matt just roasted you.
2 months ago
This is the controversy that will give the WNBA a ratings boost. And this rivalry alone will cause people to watch. if these two teams end up in the finals, ratings will go way up, they don't even need to fight again.
As wrong as it is that people are attracted to animosity, thats the nature of our society. But, after a day of constant playback on ESPN, this will be forgotten. The rivalry between the two however, will not.
2 months ago
It means that there will be a serious look into male coaches gettiing involved with altercations involving female athletes.
Whether Rick Mahorn was playing peacemaker or not the bottom line is that he put his hands on a woman in a heated situation. Society frowns upon stuff like that so you can bet there will be some serious changes in the WNBA regarding this.
2 months ago
Ron,
You are oh-so correct about rule changes, will be en route, to focus on Rick Mahorn's actions.
...and there's certainly no need to say why!
huh, T.J.? huh, Gray Ghost?? huh, Matt??
from 2 months ago
Rick Mahorn is an african american. Lisa Leslie is an african american. you should have a major problem with this black on black crime right?
from 2 months ago
yung caucasoid, you're a very disturbed, pathetic individual...
2 months ago
Erick,
All I "disturbed" was yours and other's very guilty-conscience, sir. Or else, you would've provided proof where I have exaggerated one truth, told one lie, or avoided one truth here. No one is crazy, on this site, not even you. Therefore, its uneccessary to assume that writers here DO CERTAINLY realize when they have created an *implied culture* here of continually writing articles that avoid truths, while focusing "unfairly" on others, or fluffing them up for easy attacking.
Therefore, my friend, the exploiter is home!
2 months ago
Matt,
You mind if I use your xenophobia here:
"...Rick Mahorn is an african american. Lisa Leslie is an african american. you should have a major problem with this black on black crime right?..."
...as a hypotheses-proven Theorem, for bringing Erick into "The Light"??
thank you sir!
___________________________________________________________________________________
Erick,
You saw the fight? If so, you know Rick Mahorn was doing his (emotional) job of coaching, therefore a part of the heated passion going on out there, just like the players. Again, he was coaching in that moment and dealing with the connected emotions, thereof. And, his emotions apparently only moved him to push someone or grab someone, in attempt to subside the chaos and mayhem. Yet, as you read, Matt deems it Black-on-Black crime. Even in joking (as his pro-Racist, xenophobic, mind likely wasn't doing or he would've specified it), how can one's mind even go there with it's thought processes?
Because, Rick Mahorn is a Black male. And the person he got physical with---IS NOT! Period.
And there's no falsifying the doublestandard applied to Black males, when any chaotic or violent situation unfolds. Especially, in the sports arena. My hockey and baseball references here, help validate that, unless you want to close your eyes to that veracity as well.
For Example, let us not forget The Pacer-Piston Fight, and the camera-shot sent 'round The World portraying Artest angrily standing over a (frightened, lowly, timid-looking)White guy, with fist balled up...no one cared that 1)Artest was lying stretched out on the scorers' table minding his biz when that guy decided to assault him with a cup of liquid nor 2)Artest's employer refused to protect him from being in proximity to such assaults, when they decided to punished him and 3)began to change the rules, appeal-focus of the league.
Yet, years prior, the Caucasoid Jerry Sloan actually RAN INTO THE STANDS to pound on a fan...we heard not a peep then. Nor when the Caucasoid Tom Chambers (during the same year as the Piston/Pacer fight) went into the arena tunnel to assault a Phoenix Suns official...we heard not a peep then.
And, for the very very very very very few Whitefolk who did feel guilty enough to make noise? I would gaurantee it WAS NOT folk like those who execute a xenophobic culture on this site...of focusing on Black athletes while staying "peculiarly" silent on Caucasoid's transgressions, liabilities, and shortcomings that they bring to the sports world.
So, again, move your focus away from exploiting peculiarities ---and focus on extinguishing them yourself--- and you will, I REPEAT, you will come to admire my posts more and more.
from 2 months ago
Please refrain from calling me a xenophobe because I definitely don't fear you and I know EXACTLY what you are. You're an attention starved simpleton who just joined this site so you could push your personal transparent personal agenda of racism on everyone.
And, whatever effect you think you're having as "an expert in the business of bringing 'THAT REAL' which People hate to have to think about, regarding sports", it's actually having the reverse effect. You're not opening anyone's eyes or making them think about anything except how much of a bigot and an ignorant SOB you really are.
You have an excuse for everything, but you're just a fascist who needs attention. You discredit yourself in every comment you post. The fact that you can actually defend Ron Artest is a disgrace. I can't wait to hear your opinions on Pacman and Chris Henry. I'm sure they were just black men in the wrong place and time and victims of a "double standard".
A word of advice.....keep your personal agenda to yourself. Not one person in interested in anything you have to say. Your level of intelligence has been proven to one of a high school education or perhaps a GED, because you cannot come up with an original post of your own thinking. You repeat the same thing over and over on every article you post. I've been following this punk for the last 3-4 days after he attacked my article and it's the same comments from him time and time again.
When you actually have an original thought of your own, can keep your personal racist agenda out of it, and don't post just to get some attention on a website since you obviously get none at home, then we'll all be glad to hear what you have to say....and in fact, I recommend you actually write an article if you feel that strongly.
Until then, shut the hell up.
2 months ago
typ-o: please insert the word "ME" into the last sentence above, between the words 'from' and 'exploiting'
thanks Erick
peace
from 2 months ago
LOL, dude, the more you post, the more I believe you really have no life. Your either putting on this show just to be funny and annoying, or you seriously believe this crap that you write on EVERY article.
I can't honestly believe that you are sincere, because that would mean, that you truly are a very disturbed, pathetic, (and might I also add) lonely, individual...
Matt said it best when he implied that "You're an attention starved simpleton who just joined this site so you could push your personal transparent personal agenda of racism on everyone."
LOL, It's really sad.
2 months ago
you all have interesting points. thanks for commenting. let's keep it civil though. One question I do have is does this fight change your perception of Candace parker, or the WNBA in general?
from 2 months ago
Honestly, I feel like it's not to much to change (as far as popularity of the league). I mean, how many people really cared about the WNBA before this incident? True fans of the sport wont just stop watching it just because of one fight. So I really don't think the altercation will damage the integrity for that reason.
I do however believe some people's perceptions of Candace may change a little bit, I mean, lets face it, this is America. Not to many people want to see women fighting like men on television. But like I said, most of these people who may have a problem with it never watched before anyway, and probably wont watch after this all dies down, so why should their opinions even matter?
I think this can only help ratings, it can't make things any worse, and I sincerely hope this doesnt make people view Parker any differently. This is still a sport. In sporting events, fights happen, no matter the gender and I think people should just except that and let it go.
2 months ago
It all was bullshit. I have no respect for a man who hits on women. There isn't any excuse for Rick. Plenette Pierson is a bitch. She started it with Candace Parker. Candace was just defending herself. They just jealous of Candace. The only person on the Detroit Shock I like is Alexis Hornbuckle, because she was a Tennessee player, and a friend of Candace. Plenette Pierson,Cheryl Ford,Deanna Nolan,Rick Mahorn and the rest of the Detroit Shock are all down! Fuck the Detroit Shock (minus Alexis Hornbuckle)! The LA SPARKS are the best team in the WNBA and Candace Parker is the best player in the WNBA! The whole beat LA chant can cease. The LA Sparks new chant is beat em' LA because they beat other teams. LA's other chants are win LA and repeat LA, because they win, and after they win the wnba championship they will repeat. GO TENNESSEE!, GO LA SPARKS!, and GO CANDACE PARKER!:AKA beat a bitch ass, AKA dunk on a bitch, AKA the best player in the wnba, and AKA the future of the wnba!!!
2 months ago
What do you mean Candace Parker cleaning her act up? Did she do this alone? I think not!! You better watch the clips again budro. You jealous or something?
2 months ago
I have been an LA Saprks season ticket holder from day one and I have to tell you that this article is the one article all day that I completely agree with! Well done sir! well done.
"If Candace Parker does not clean up her act, the Detroit Shock their play—and most importantly, the referees their approach—an ugly brawl will serve as a dark cloud over the league that plays basketball in its purest form."
enough said!
great job and thank you!
2 months ago
"...Please refrain from calling me a xenophobe because I definitely don't fear you and I know EXACTLY what you are. You're an attention starved simpleton who just joined this site so you could push your personal transparent personal agenda of racism on everyone.
And, whatever effect you think you're having as "an expert in the business of bringing 'THAT REAL' which People hate to have to think about, regarding sports", it's actually having the reverse effect. You're not opening anyone's eyes or making them think about anything except how much of a bigot and an ignorant SOB you really are.
You have an excuse for everything, but you're just a fascist who needs attention. You discredit yourself in every comment you post. The fact that you can actually defend Ron Artest is a disgrace. I can't wait to hear your opinions on Pacman and Chris Henry. I'm sure they were just black men in the wrong place and time and victims of a "double standard".
A word of advice.....keep your personal agenda to yourself. Not one person in interested in anything you have to say. Your level of intelligence has been proven to one of a high school education or perhaps a GED, because you cannot come up with an original post of your own thinking. You repeat the same thing over and over on every article you post. I've been following this punk for the last 3-4 days after he attacked my article and it's the same comments from him time and time again.
When you actually have an original thought of your own, can keep your personal racist agenda out of it, and don't post just to get some attention on a website since you obviously get none at home, then we'll all be glad to hear what you have to say....and in fact, I recommend you actually write an article if you feel that strongly.
Until then, shut the hell up..."
__________________________________________________________________________________
Exploitation patrol-1, Matt-0
2 months ago
"...The Caucasian race, sometimes called the Caucasoid race,[1][2] is a concept 19th to early 20th c. scientific racism. This typological method was discredited and the concept is not relied on in scientific work related to humans..."
The fact that you now try to rationalize something which you just proclaimed last week, didn't exist...does clearly highlight your putrid, running-in-circles, aimless mindset for readers.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Exploitation patrol-2, Matt-0
from 2 months ago
Repeating the same post over and over: 2
Matt putting you in your place: 2
yungCaucasoid coming up with an original thought of his own: 0
2 months ago
You can tell the same lie over and over and over and over again ---out of anger at being exploited--- it still won't make it come true.
I don't just exploit pro-Racist posts here. Give me credit, within your castigation. I've laid out some nice accurate and unique opinions and been esteemed for them ---when I'm not on exploitation patrol--- as, the archives will show. Simply check archives/follow-up on my opinions when commented on by non-racist members, read them, and weep.
For starters; Check my first 40 *non-exploiting-comments* in this Forum, check the Dennis Rodman comments, the Brett Favre comments, the James Posey comments, the NY point guard threads, the Tracy McGrady/Piston comments where I conveyed something that no other poster highlighted, check the Sam Cassell comments, and others that you just, can't hold a torch to, pal...then:
Simply purge your anger, and watch how you'll inadvertantly quit lying to yourself. Period.
2 months ago
And, I didn't even mention the Gilbert Arenas comments, where I also, conveyed a reality which no other member here thought of up until that point, and...I was given props, at that time. The A. Jamison comments as well, so...
keep dreaming pal! I'll keep laughing at you, and of course...keep exploiting you!
2 months ago
then top it all off, by noticing;
You now run with your tail, tucked firmly, between your legs regarding you ranting last week "You meant to write Caucasian" or something to that effect.
Now look at you...NO, strike that, it's;
LOOK AT YOU NOW!!
hahahaha
Rationalizing that, which showed, you don't know what *the phuuugk* you're talking about around here. You almost make me ashamed that you're part of my "Caucasoid" race of people pal.
Seek Equality, in sports-information, and you'll become a better man...I promise!
2 months ago
You didn't exploit anything except how unbelievably dumb and short sighted you really are. You're just embarrassing yourself more and more with every post. Obviously, you're too stupid to realize that bringing race into any artice that doesn't specifically mention it, it shoving your perosnal agenda into a discussion where it doesn't belong.
You're also too stupid to realize that you get torn apart by me and yet you keep posting.
Keep it up Simpleton. Btw, why haven't you written an article? Simple question that you just can't answer.
2 months ago
Matt,
Are you too too racist to accept, that you're fooling not one solitary soul?
an article doesn't need *to mention* Race, in order to be a racist article.
Didn't you learn anything from dude's Ricky Williams/Josh Hamilton article, Sgt. Dinglemire??
A bigot-laden Sports media, never, no not once, ever mentions race when attacking/villifying Ricky, where...Josh Hamilton gets praise and 'a pass' by them.
who ya foolin'??
2 months ago
Ricky deserves it because he's only back in the NFL for the money and then will go right back to the drug world. Hamilton has cleaned himself up and has no intention of going back to that world. Are you too stupid to understand the difference? Or is it you're just attention starved and your race card is your only way to get it?
All of the above! Another slam dunk with my crotch on his forehead!
2 months ago
Matt,
here's proof of your peculiarly pro-Racist mindset;
You hate facts and proof, simply re-read how you use nothing but your prejudicial mindset to characterize Ricky's current condition.
Black males, like Ricky OR Pacman or Irvin or Henry or Artest or whoever, are STILL DEEMED THUGS or something equally somber, even after putting their misfortunes behind them...its a fact of bigoted media. But you strategically steer clear of applying the same logic to J. Hamilton...hmmmm
You've compliment that racist media by claiming Ricky is only in for $$$$ now as he still seeks to get high ---while Josh has no intentions to, whatsoever--- a stance by which you PROUDLY presented, no, not one iota of proof whatsoever, for either argument.
Therefore, thanks for exploiting yourself, as EXACTLY the type of EGREGIOUS soul that Casey highlights in his great article, so...smile for the camera pal.
from 2 months ago
Except for the fact that Ricky said he's only back for the money and Hamilton said he's never doing drugs again? Guess that's not proof.
Another dunk! how did you like your warning?
2 months ago
you guys need to get a life. A real life.
2 months ago
"...Except for the fact that Ricky said he's only back for the money and Hamilton said he's never doing drugs again..."
there's millions of courtrooms, in America, with proof that *you should never believe a crackhead nor a heroin addict* but, since he's a White guy, you of course don't mind ignoring that.
2 months ago
What do you mean , if Candace Parker cleans up her act? She has every right to defend herself, when some lunatic comes charging at her? Did you actually watch the game? I did, and Detroit was up to their old tricks plain and simple. She can't turn the other cheek and walk away, if some nutjob bulldozes her as she's trying to stand up.
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