In a recent appearance on CNN’s “NewsNight,” sports broadcasting legend Bob Costas provided a compelling analysis of the disparity in media coverage between two high-profile WNBA incidents. This discussion, initiated by Costas, revolved around the aggressive play in a recent WNBA game that did not receive the same media spotlight as other similar incidents.
Bos Costas Points Out The Incident: Angel Reese vs. Alyssa Thomas
The incident in question saw Angel Reese, a player from the WNBA, being aggressively tackled by Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun. During a game on May 25, Reese was pulled down by her throat while attempting to secure a rebound—a move that led to Thomas’ ejection from the game. Costas highlighted this play to compare it with another incident involving Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter, which had received significantly more attention. Costas pointed out that the lesser coverage of the Reese incident might be attributed to both players being African-American, suggesting a potential bias in media attention when it comes to similar “black-on-black” incidents.
The Media Response and Racial Dynamics
The conversation on CNN, which also involved host Abby Phillip and contributor Cari Champion, expanded to explore the implications of race and media dynamics in sports coverage. Costas mentioned, “There was an incident recently where Alyssa Thomas, who happens to be African-American, grabbed Angel Reese by the throat and threw her to the floor. Flagrant 2, ejected from the game. The reason why that doesn’t spark as much conversation isn’t just that Caitlin Clark is a bigger star than Alyssa Thomas. It’s because it’s a black-on-black incident.”
This statement opened up a broader discussion about the visibility and narratives within the WNBA, where Phillip noted, “That is really the between-the-lines of what’s going on.” Champion further elaborated on the historical neglect of violence between women of color in the WNBA, stressing that the league has always been known for its physicality and that recent coverage seems influenced by new fans and their perceptions.
Reflections on WNBA’s Aggressive Nature and Media Narratives
The dialogue further delved into the nature of competition and respect within the WNBA. Former WNBA player Stacey Dales commented on another show, “The Rich Eisen Show,” about the defensive challenges faced by newcomers like Clark, suggesting a respect for their skills that transcends mere physical confrontation. “They’re doing things to her defensively, what is that? It’s respect,” Dales said.
The conversations ignited by Costas and expanded by other commentators reveal a complex layer of factors influencing media coverage of sports incidents, particularly in women’s leagues like the WNBA. The insights from these discussions challenge the audience to consider how narratives are shaped not only by the actions on the court but also by the racial and gender dynamics that play out in sports journalism. This scenario underscores a crucial conversation about equity, representation, and the true spirit of competition in professional sports.
Source- Nypost
