On Cash for Kids, overseas plans, and lingerie basketball.
by Swin Cash / @SwinCash
I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired! After reading SLAM columnist Ben York’s (@bjyork) article on the Lingerie Basketball League (LBL) I have no choice but to write this blog. I read some of the ignorant, male chauvinist comments from other columnists and they literally made me want to turn on my stove and heat up a pot of warm grits like Madea. Honestly, I’m used to the same old dried up comments about the WNBA or women’s sports in general but this right here takes the cake, and yes big mama is singing!
Where to begin… I guess I will start first with the LBL and the women that play in it. I’m sure for most of you my comments will surprise you; I wish the league and the women who play it in nothing but the best. See the same women that fought for title IX and my right to play afforded the opportunity to those same women. I’m sure the business owners of that league feel they have the kind of basketball America wants to see so they’re providing it. Giving the people what they want so to speak.
I, on the other hand, believe the WNBA represents what a professional league should stand for and that is the best players in the world, who have social awareness and give back to their communities. I began to have a problem when I read and heard these ridiculous comments from mainstream media wanting women to be sexy and, let’s face it, sex sells.
You’re trying to tell me that’s why the WNBA isn’t appealing? In the words of Mr. Ochocino, Child Please! The WNBA has beautiful women who are not only amazing athletes, savvy business women and pillars of their communities; they also have resumes that make them more than just eye candy!
I’ve had numerous discussions and debates with colleagues, PR agents, brand strategists etc. on the marketing of WNBA players. I know there is a certain demographic out there that is small-minded (in every way) and needs a sexual connection to enjoy sports. It makes me wonder why I never hear, “Man. Tom Brady dropped back and looked sexy in those pads,” on Sunday. Or, “Yeah, man, LeBron did this no-look-pass and it just sent chills down my spine.”
I mean maybe guys say these things (cough…BS..alert..cough). Bottom line: You watch sports because you love the game; it’s your favorite team or it’s a major sporting event. If you don’t watch male athletes to get your daily dose of fantasy please don’t watch me! I love this game like the next man or woman. God blessed me with my skill set and I use that gift. I wasn’t put here to wear a tight uniform for your enjoyment. What’s next, you’re going to say WNBA women need butt implants to keep up with the jones’ in Hollywood? Again, Foolishness!
I have been blessed throughout my career to win at every level I’ve played, so I’ll put that resume up against anyone. I’ve also been fortunate to professionally model. I’m also a two-time NCAA champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time WNBA world champion that believes in respecting the game, the women that play and the legacy we leave for the young, intelligent and beautiful ballers. The LBL consists of 4 teams, all based in LA, which just started playing as a league in August of this year. Though I am troubled by the message that the LBL as an entity sends to our young girls about what it takes to succeed in women’s sports, I have no ill-will towards the women who play. That said, the WNBA just celebrated 15 years of existence. I am proud to be a WNBA player and grateful to the female ballers who paved the way for all of us.
“If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.”
On an exciting note, I would like to share with everyone my plans for this fall! I will be rejoining the DongGuan New Century Club this fall in Dongguan, China. This will be my third-consecutive year with the DongGuan New Century Club. Last year, we lost the championship game by one point in heartbreaking fashion. We have our whole team returning so JiaYou!
I would also like to announce that my charity, Cash for Kids, will be holding its first ever international event! We will release details in the near future. I’m excited about our new joint ventures and will share all the amazing details as soon as they become available.
Follow me on Twitter (@SwinCash) and email CFK@swincash.com to learn how you can help with #CashForKids.
—Swin
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