Women Athletes Deserve More Respect.

I understand that one of the biggest industrial markets in today's society is sports; sports generate billions of dollars every year in revenue from ticket sales, food, group rates, fan gear, etc. Aside from all that, there's a concept one needs to know between professional athletes both men and women; their is a line that divides them and it's one that should be broken altogether.

 For men, it seems like they are always criticized starting with their collegiate career. Actually, it's surprising that even middle school boys are being scouted before they are even in high school and have their athletic future predicted. I understand that men's sports are a big deal; they are paid to compete at the highest level despite many tempting factors such as women interested only in their money, unnecessary spending, and time management especially when playing on the road. However, it seems these athletes are placed on pedestals and seen as gods by children and adults alike. For instance, Kobe Bryant is arguably the best player in the NBA with comparisons similar to Michael Jordan. In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault in Colorado while being married to his wife. Less than a decade later, Kobe Bryant is once again praised by becoming the reigning MVP and delivering back to back championships for the Lakers. Did we just happen to forget that this is the same man who was accused of sexual assault against a woman out of her will? There are stories like that all the time, with players bringing guns to the locker room or charges for assault and battery, but it seems these male athletes always still get the benefit, and all they need is a solid season.

After these revelations from men's sports, I feel like women should be treated with the same, if not higher respect than their male comrades. From a history perspective, women have always been the "underdog" in professional sports; with society taking their accomplishments for granted. For example, women's soccer was only made popular after the U.S Olympics when Hope Solo and the entire U.S Women's Team began winning. Unfortunately, those weren't the type of highlights you see on ESPN during the regular season. These women in professional sports are given the same rules and regulations as male athletes; they are given a higher than average salary and forced to manage their own time among family, friend, practice, and away games. However, you don't hear too many stories about women athletes going bankrupt or women bringing guns to practice. These women DESERVE so much respect, because as professional athletes, they stick to acting PROFESSIONAL. Rather than see what temptations can bring, they understand how they are competing at the highest levels, acting righteously as role models. It's not so easy for them either; Candace Parker, a profound WNBA Player with hopes of the Hall of Fame, got pregnant in 2003 after having dominant seasons. After being pregnant, that meant she would need to take one year off before returning to the floor. It takes a lot of professionalism and sacrifice to get back into basketball shape after pregnancy.
Women athletes know that; before they sign contracts, they know pregnancy is a big factor during the season and that issue alone and how they approach it deems much respect.

I just feel that although we live in a society where men's sports ultimately bring more fans and revenue, women athletes deserve so much credit not only for their true athleticism, but they way they carry themselves as athletes; the way they act on and off the court. I know that I have the utmost respect for professional women athletes because of their triumphs and hard work, but it's time we let society know as well.

By: Eric Macalalad
Kin 338i, Wed: 4-6:45PM