1 00:00:03,080 --> 00:00:07,760 Speaker 1: Hey, everybody, I'm Tarika Fosterter Brasby and I'm Cheryl Swoops 2 00:00:07,800 --> 00:00:11,520 Speaker 1: and this is the levels to this podcast. This is 3 00:00:11,520 --> 00:00:14,200 Speaker 1: a show where we are going to share that it's 4 00:00:14,280 --> 00:00:17,000 Speaker 1: levels to the ship that women go through. And I 5 00:00:17,079 --> 00:00:19,360 Speaker 1: know that we've got a great show lined up today. 6 00:00:19,400 --> 00:00:22,040 Speaker 1: But first, my girl, Cheryl, we got to check in. 7 00:00:22,640 --> 00:00:24,480 Speaker 2: How are you? How are things going? 8 00:00:24,720 --> 00:00:26,440 Speaker 1: What's good? Girl? 9 00:00:27,600 --> 00:00:31,480 Speaker 3: Life has been life in life has been life. And listen, 10 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:36,520 Speaker 3: take that damn Detroit cap off of your head. 11 00:00:38,080 --> 00:00:39,279 Speaker 1: I'm in my I am in. 12 00:00:39,280 --> 00:00:42,400 Speaker 3: My feelings because y'all gave the Astros a nice little 13 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:43,440 Speaker 3: beaten you. 14 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:47,800 Speaker 1: Did see, Yeah, folks, For folks who don't know, at 15 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:50,440 Speaker 1: the time of this recording, my Detroit Tigers are out 16 00:00:50,479 --> 00:00:52,879 Speaker 1: here doing the damn thing as sheryln her feelings. 17 00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:56,400 Speaker 2: And that's fine, it's cool. I'm mad at a week. 18 00:00:56,880 --> 00:00:57,400 Speaker 1: We ain't been. 19 00:00:58,000 --> 00:00:59,800 Speaker 2: We have not been a winner in ten years, y'all 20 00:00:59,840 --> 00:01:00,680 Speaker 2: will let us have this? 21 00:01:01,680 --> 00:01:07,000 Speaker 1: Oh that's right, y'all haven't been but we okay, okay, okay, 22 00:01:07,240 --> 00:01:09,600 Speaker 1: all right, I'm gonna let you make it on that one. 23 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:13,680 Speaker 1: Surel you know what, that's why, that's why folks throwing 24 00:01:13,720 --> 00:01:14,600 Speaker 1: you under the bus. 25 00:01:14,600 --> 00:01:19,200 Speaker 2: Now that is why you under the bus? 26 00:01:19,280 --> 00:01:24,440 Speaker 1: Now, well, please do tell because I've kind of taken 27 00:01:24,920 --> 00:01:28,080 Speaker 1: a couple of days off from social media, so I 28 00:01:28,160 --> 00:01:30,880 Speaker 1: don't know. I don't know what did I do? 29 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:31,600 Speaker 2: What did I do? 30 00:01:32,600 --> 00:01:33,080 Speaker 1: What did I do? 31 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:33,800 Speaker 4: Oh? 32 00:01:34,680 --> 00:01:38,280 Speaker 1: So you're not sure why you're trending? Okay, well let 33 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:42,600 Speaker 1: me feel you and everybody in on exactly why you're trending. 34 00:01:42,920 --> 00:01:44,240 Speaker 2: You're trending because. 35 00:01:45,640 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 1: I'm sorry. Can we just do a toast? Oh? 36 00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:50,120 Speaker 2: Glass, definitely do a toast? 37 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:52,360 Speaker 1: Yeah, grab a glass, cheers. 38 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:53,480 Speaker 2: What are we toasting to? 39 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:59,680 Speaker 1: It's Friday, every it's the weekend, and we're toasting to 40 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:01,840 Speaker 1: every having your name in their mouth. 41 00:02:01,880 --> 00:02:04,600 Speaker 2: There we go, that's the time. 42 00:02:04,960 --> 00:02:05,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, let's do that. 43 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:09,880 Speaker 2: Chairs, that's the toast. That's the toast because like that. 44 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:12,800 Speaker 1: So you know, it's the end of the season, fans 45 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:17,640 Speaker 1: and now people in the WBA are receiving their awards, 46 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:20,880 Speaker 1: and so we know that Asia was the unanimous MVP. 47 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:24,320 Speaker 1: We know that Nafisa Collier won the Physical Player of 48 00:02:24,360 --> 00:02:30,679 Speaker 1: the Year, Djne Carrington won Most Improved, Cheryl Reed got 49 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:34,240 Speaker 1: Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year, and it 50 00:02:34,320 --> 00:02:38,920 Speaker 1: was just recently officially announced that Caitlyn Clark earned the 51 00:02:39,160 --> 00:02:41,680 Speaker 1: Rookie of the Year, So shout out to Kaitlin Clark 52 00:02:41,720 --> 00:02:44,720 Speaker 1: for winning Rookie of the Year. However, congrats to Kaitlin. 53 00:02:45,240 --> 00:02:49,280 Speaker 1: Why kent gratz to Caitlin much deserve. She received sixty 54 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:53,960 Speaker 1: six of the sixty seven votes, So apparently, Sean, you 55 00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:59,080 Speaker 1: are the person who was of Caitlyn Clark. 56 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:02,080 Speaker 2: That gave Angel Reees. 57 00:03:02,240 --> 00:03:04,600 Speaker 1: Angel Reese is the other person who got the one vote, 58 00:03:04,600 --> 00:03:07,720 Speaker 1: So clearly it's your fault that she is not the 59 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:10,320 Speaker 1: unanimous Rookie of the Year. You are such a hater 60 00:03:10,760 --> 00:03:14,399 Speaker 1: that you can't stand it that you decided to give 61 00:03:14,440 --> 00:03:17,760 Speaker 1: your vote, waste your vote on Angel Reaes. 62 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:19,880 Speaker 2: Now I'm wondering who's gonna tell to people who. 63 00:03:20,120 --> 00:03:21,240 Speaker 1: There's a lot in this. 64 00:03:22,760 --> 00:03:23,079 Speaker 2: Yeah. 65 00:03:23,320 --> 00:03:28,399 Speaker 1: First of all, congratulations to Caitlin, very well deserved. Had 66 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:33,440 Speaker 1: a hell of a rookie year, doing things that just 67 00:03:33,560 --> 00:03:36,440 Speaker 1: hasn't been done by a rookie before. But I hate 68 00:03:36,440 --> 00:03:43,040 Speaker 1: to disappoint the people because I don't get a vote. 69 00:03:43,120 --> 00:03:49,640 Speaker 1: Y'all cannot I'm like, because it's funny, y'all cannot blame 70 00:03:49,760 --> 00:03:53,360 Speaker 1: this one on me. I don't get a vote. I've 71 00:03:53,480 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 1: never had a vote in. 72 00:03:54,920 --> 00:03:59,120 Speaker 3: Any of the awards. But I too, like everyone else, 73 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:01,320 Speaker 3: would love to know who. 74 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:02,080 Speaker 1: That person is. 75 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:05,760 Speaker 3: Maybe it's the same person that gave Asia Wilson a 76 00:04:05,840 --> 00:04:07,400 Speaker 3: fourth place vote last year. 77 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:11,720 Speaker 1: I don't know. I'm gonna take a drink. I'm gonna 78 00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:13,200 Speaker 1: take a drink. I'm gonna take a drink. I'm gonna 79 00:04:13,200 --> 00:04:20,040 Speaker 1: just take a sexon. It's funny to me because last 80 00:04:20,160 --> 00:04:23,520 Speaker 1: year folks told folks to just get over it, just 81 00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:26,640 Speaker 1: get out of the wrong place, fourth place, just get yeah, 82 00:04:27,080 --> 00:04:30,680 Speaker 1: just get over it. But this year all hell has 83 00:04:30,720 --> 00:04:33,800 Speaker 1: broken loose because folks want to know who gave Angel 84 00:04:33,800 --> 00:04:36,720 Speaker 1: the vote. And my thing is, so what if Angel 85 00:04:36,720 --> 00:04:39,240 Speaker 1: got the vote. It's not like she wasn't deserving of 86 00:04:39,279 --> 00:04:41,960 Speaker 1: a vote, absolutely, I mean, she did have a hell 87 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:45,640 Speaker 1: of a rookie season. So why I'm surprised she only 88 00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:46,719 Speaker 1: got one vote. 89 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:49,520 Speaker 2: You know, I am a voter. I voted for Katelyn Clark. 90 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:52,400 Speaker 1: I thought after the Olympic break she separated herself from 91 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:55,480 Speaker 1: the pack. But up until that time, I was neck 92 00:04:55,520 --> 00:04:57,640 Speaker 1: and neck. I was like, this very well could be Angel, 93 00:04:57,880 --> 00:05:00,480 Speaker 1: This could be Kaitlin. Wait, it's Angel again. I was 94 00:05:00,520 --> 00:05:03,120 Speaker 1: going back and forth, so I don't understand why folks 95 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:05,840 Speaker 1: is mad. Can't nobody explain why Asia got a fourth 96 00:05:05,839 --> 00:05:06,480 Speaker 1: place vote? 97 00:05:06,680 --> 00:05:08,320 Speaker 2: Like, you can't. You can't justify that. 98 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:09,119 Speaker 1: No, you can't. 99 00:05:09,320 --> 00:05:11,919 Speaker 3: But you're off the hook because you just said you 100 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:15,120 Speaker 3: voted for Caitlyn, so we can mark you all did. Well, 101 00:05:15,200 --> 00:05:17,200 Speaker 3: let's just keep Let's keep going down the line and 102 00:05:17,200 --> 00:05:19,840 Speaker 3: figure out who that person is. So let me also 103 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:26,680 Speaker 3: say this, whoever that person is that gave Angel a vote, 104 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:27,560 Speaker 3: I agree with you. 105 00:05:28,120 --> 00:05:33,400 Speaker 1: She's been very deserving of a vote, right, I like you. 106 00:05:34,040 --> 00:05:38,200 Speaker 3: The beginning of the season was like, could be either 107 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:40,760 Speaker 3: it could be Angel, could be Caitlyn. And I'll also 108 00:05:40,800 --> 00:05:43,480 Speaker 3: say this, if Rakia Jackson would have gotten more playing 109 00:05:43,560 --> 00:05:46,960 Speaker 3: time in the beginning of the season, Rakia Jackson would 110 00:05:46,960 --> 00:05:47,799 Speaker 3: be in this conversation. 111 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:53,960 Speaker 1: But I digress. Anyway, I thought at one point I did. 112 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:56,120 Speaker 3: I was like, Angel Reese has my Rookie of the 113 00:05:56,160 --> 00:05:59,800 Speaker 3: Year vote because she set the double double record and 114 00:06:00,120 --> 00:06:02,760 Speaker 3: or a rookie is impressive. And I thought she was 115 00:06:02,800 --> 00:06:07,680 Speaker 3: playing very well hat Chicago looking really good at one point, right, 116 00:06:07,839 --> 00:06:09,720 Speaker 3: or at least good, not really but good. 117 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:14,279 Speaker 1: I agree with you. After the Olympic break, Caitlin Clark 118 00:06:14,360 --> 00:06:19,039 Speaker 1: got some rest, got some food, got some vacation, got 119 00:06:19,080 --> 00:06:19,640 Speaker 1: some own. 120 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:22,080 Speaker 3: No, I ain't all up in her business like that. 121 00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:25,760 Speaker 3: She got some whatever it was, and she came. 122 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:32,240 Speaker 1: Back and completely separated herself from all other rookies in 123 00:06:32,240 --> 00:06:32,600 Speaker 1: the league. 124 00:06:32,680 --> 00:06:36,479 Speaker 3: So congratulations to Caitlin. Y'all can't get mad at me. 125 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:38,400 Speaker 3: I don't get vote, So it wasn't me. 126 00:06:38,839 --> 00:06:42,640 Speaker 2: It wasn't Cheryl, So sorry, narrative. Stop trending Cheryl. 127 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:45,440 Speaker 1: If you're trending Cheryl on Twitter, it better be because 128 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:51,560 Speaker 1: you listen and love our podcast, not because go stop it, 129 00:06:51,800 --> 00:06:53,600 Speaker 1: go you stop it. 130 00:06:54,320 --> 00:06:55,920 Speaker 2: But I'm glad that you brought. 131 00:06:55,720 --> 00:06:59,560 Speaker 1: Up Chicago because I think it's time for us to 132 00:06:59,640 --> 00:07:00,919 Speaker 1: take it to the next level. 133 00:07:03,640 --> 00:07:04,039 Speaker 2: All right. 134 00:07:04,120 --> 00:07:09,800 Speaker 1: So on September twenty six, the Chicago Sky decided to 135 00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:15,640 Speaker 1: part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season. 136 00:07:15,960 --> 00:07:18,200 Speaker 2: They even released a statement that said. 137 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:21,160 Speaker 1: After careful consideration, we have decided it's in the best 138 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:24,400 Speaker 1: interest of the organization to part ways with head coach 139 00:07:24,480 --> 00:07:28,440 Speaker 1: Teresa Weatherspoon. We are deeply appreciative of coach t Spoon's 140 00:07:28,440 --> 00:07:32,120 Speaker 1: contributions to the Chicago Sky and the energy and passion 141 00:07:32,280 --> 00:07:34,360 Speaker 1: she brought to the head coaching role. 142 00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:37,160 Speaker 2: Apparently, folks was. 143 00:07:37,120 --> 00:07:40,600 Speaker 1: Not aware that this was going to go down. Angel 144 00:07:40,640 --> 00:07:44,000 Speaker 1: Reese the star of the team, and usually these types 145 00:07:44,040 --> 00:07:46,320 Speaker 1: of decisions don't happen without the star player on your 146 00:07:46,360 --> 00:07:48,520 Speaker 1: team knowing about it. But the star of the team 147 00:07:48,560 --> 00:07:52,840 Speaker 1: tweeted that she was heartbroken other people in the organization. 148 00:07:52,960 --> 00:07:56,560 Speaker 1: Kennedy Carter had comments there were folks that were just confused, 149 00:07:56,680 --> 00:07:59,360 Speaker 1: and then of course us on the outside are like, 150 00:08:00,200 --> 00:08:03,160 Speaker 1: or is this the same Are y'all watching the same 151 00:08:03,560 --> 00:08:07,320 Speaker 1: teaspoon or looking at the same organization that I'm looking at, 152 00:08:07,400 --> 00:08:10,040 Speaker 1: because I don't understand how. 153 00:08:10,520 --> 00:08:12,000 Speaker 2: I don't understand how this happens. 154 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:14,720 Speaker 1: Now, I know you have a relationship with food, and 155 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:17,840 Speaker 1: so I know you were also somebody that was like 156 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:22,360 Speaker 1: pissed off that this happened. Pissed off as an understatement, tee, don't. 157 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:29,920 Speaker 1: I don't even know where to begin with this even now, 158 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:34,480 Speaker 1: just hearing you say those words and what you said, 159 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:39,640 Speaker 1: like like this shit makes me emotional for her, It 160 00:08:39,760 --> 00:08:44,679 Speaker 1: makes me angry, It makes me sad, it makes me frustrated, 161 00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:46,920 Speaker 1: it pisses me off. 162 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:50,560 Speaker 3: I guess my thing like food and I had a 163 00:08:50,600 --> 00:08:55,760 Speaker 3: conversation and I'm not going to share stuff she told 164 00:08:55,840 --> 00:08:58,760 Speaker 3: me because it's not my story to tell, but she 165 00:08:58,920 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 3: did give me permission to talk about certain things. Here 166 00:09:02,200 --> 00:09:05,480 Speaker 3: is what I will say if, and this is if, 167 00:09:06,280 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 3: if you hired her under. 168 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:14,760 Speaker 4: The conditions of if you don't make the playoffs or 169 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:17,079 Speaker 4: if you don't win a championship, we're going to fire 170 00:09:17,160 --> 00:09:20,480 Speaker 4: you right like I'm I'm hoping that's not why you 171 00:09:20,559 --> 00:09:25,600 Speaker 4: hired her, because how ignorant is that they were what 172 00:09:26,679 --> 00:09:28,960 Speaker 4: two I don't know one two games out of that 173 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:30,080 Speaker 4: eighth playoff spot. 174 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:34,280 Speaker 1: And when you when you think about spot, they did 175 00:09:34,559 --> 00:09:37,280 Speaker 1: they did right. But here's my thing, when you think 176 00:09:37,320 --> 00:09:40,760 Speaker 1: about what all she had to deal with, let's just 177 00:09:40,920 --> 00:09:43,880 Speaker 1: let's just start from the beginning. She's a new head coach. 178 00:09:45,080 --> 00:09:48,960 Speaker 1: She pretty much has a whole new damn team. She's 179 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:54,240 Speaker 1: a new team. You drafted to rookie, you brought back 180 00:09:54,320 --> 00:09:57,240 Speaker 1: Kennedy Carter who hadn't been in the league in a while. 181 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:03,000 Speaker 3: And you still almost made the playoffs. You trade a 182 00:10:03,120 --> 00:10:08,680 Speaker 3: Marina Maybrey right before the Olympic break. Izzy has been injured, 183 00:10:09,080 --> 00:10:12,640 Speaker 3: not healthy all season. Elizabeth Williams goes out with a 184 00:10:12,640 --> 00:10:17,040 Speaker 3: season ending injury Camilla Cardoso the beginning of the year 185 00:10:17,480 --> 00:10:19,679 Speaker 3: misses I don't know how many games because she has 186 00:10:19,679 --> 00:10:23,280 Speaker 3: a shoulder injury. The end of the year, Angel gets hurt, 187 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:27,400 Speaker 3: she breaks her wrist. Kennedy Carter misses some games because 188 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:30,480 Speaker 3: she has I guess COVID or whatever they called it. 189 00:10:31,559 --> 00:10:36,040 Speaker 3: Help me understand what more could she do with what 190 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:37,400 Speaker 3: she had to work with? 191 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:38,240 Speaker 2: Rights? 192 00:10:39,120 --> 00:10:45,560 Speaker 1: And on top of that, how did y'all help her worked? Like, 193 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:49,560 Speaker 1: how did y'all help her be successful? Because your front 194 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:52,880 Speaker 1: office is shitty? So what did y'all do to help 195 00:10:52,920 --> 00:10:56,280 Speaker 1: her be successful? Horrible? It's horrible, Like that's what I 196 00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:59,199 Speaker 1: don't understand, Like, y'all not only did it put her 197 00:10:59,240 --> 00:11:02,840 Speaker 1: in a position to win, but she's still found a 198 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:06,960 Speaker 1: way to be damn mere in the playoffs and still 199 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:11,200 Speaker 1: found some level of success despite all of the shit 200 00:11:11,280 --> 00:11:12,520 Speaker 1: that she had stacked against her. 201 00:11:12,640 --> 00:11:15,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, and this is how you were Yeah. 202 00:11:15,720 --> 00:11:19,640 Speaker 1: No, she she walked into a mess yep, she walked 203 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:22,640 Speaker 1: into and the entire and it's not the first time, right, 204 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:23,400 Speaker 1: Like it's not. 205 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:25,120 Speaker 2: It's not the first time. 206 00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 1: And it leads me, it literally leads me to this 207 00:11:29,320 --> 00:11:32,240 Speaker 1: larger because we say it all the time that like 208 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:36,080 Speaker 1: sports is a microcosm of real life society, and it 209 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:39,880 Speaker 1: leads me to this larger conversation of. 210 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:42,400 Speaker 2: Why do black women always have to deal with this 211 00:11:42,480 --> 00:11:42,920 Speaker 2: kind of shit? 212 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:47,719 Speaker 1: Like why are we always expected to make something out 213 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:50,000 Speaker 1: of nothing? Why do we always have to work twice 214 00:11:50,040 --> 00:11:52,960 Speaker 1: as hard to get half of what other people get? 215 00:11:53,559 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 1: And when we don't deliver on what that whatever unreasonable 216 00:11:58,360 --> 00:12:01,360 Speaker 1: expectation is, we're the ones that have to take a hit, 217 00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:03,800 Speaker 1: We're the ones that lose our jobs, or we're the 218 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:06,160 Speaker 1: ones that don't get the promotion, we're the ones that 219 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:11,520 Speaker 1: don't get seen, don't get recognized, whatever. Just recently, there 220 00:12:11,640 --> 00:12:15,840 Speaker 1: was a conversation on super Bird and Megan Rapinos podcast, 221 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:18,680 Speaker 1: right and they were talking about a lot of the 222 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:21,160 Speaker 1: racism and the things like that that has happened in 223 00:12:21,200 --> 00:12:24,240 Speaker 1: the WNBA, and it pissed me off to no end 224 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:27,600 Speaker 1: because they were one hundred percent correct on what Sue 225 00:12:27,600 --> 00:12:29,240 Speaker 1: was one hundred percent correct on what she was saying. 226 00:12:29,720 --> 00:12:35,200 Speaker 1: But we black women have been saying this the entire 227 00:12:35,440 --> 00:12:41,920 Speaker 1: time and nobody was listening. So it's that thing that 228 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:46,240 Speaker 1: is ever present, it's never gone away. And te spool 229 00:12:46,360 --> 00:12:51,199 Speaker 1: is just another example of unreasonable expectations that are put 230 00:12:51,280 --> 00:12:53,240 Speaker 1: on us that are not put on anyone else. I 231 00:12:53,280 --> 00:12:55,360 Speaker 1: ain't trying to say nobody else should lose their jobs, 232 00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:57,040 Speaker 1: because I ain't the one that's out here calling for 233 00:12:57,080 --> 00:13:03,880 Speaker 1: people's jobs. But Tricia Trammon and Dallas folks been wondering 234 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:07,480 Speaker 1: what's going on down there. I ain't saying electrician should 235 00:13:07,480 --> 00:13:11,040 Speaker 1: lose her job. I'm just saying, why nobody calling for 236 00:13:11,080 --> 00:13:15,560 Speaker 1: her head? Christy sides about this year one day. I 237 00:13:15,559 --> 00:13:18,400 Speaker 1: don't see Christy. I don't see Christy losing her job. 238 00:13:19,320 --> 00:13:22,640 Speaker 1: I'm just a little concerned as to like how the 239 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:29,640 Speaker 1: gold post just continues to move for black women. Listen, 240 00:13:29,679 --> 00:13:32,480 Speaker 1: I'm just over here because you are hitting the nail 241 00:13:32,559 --> 00:13:33,000 Speaker 1: on the head. 242 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:37,400 Speaker 3: It is, and it doesn't matter what your profession is. 243 00:13:38,559 --> 00:13:46,760 Speaker 3: Black women are expected to work miracles with a lot less, right, 244 00:13:47,920 --> 00:13:53,160 Speaker 3: And when we don't, we're fired, we're let go, We're questioned, 245 00:13:53,280 --> 00:13:54,319 Speaker 3: we're not good enough. 246 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:59,400 Speaker 1: I I'm there with you. Right. 247 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:03,199 Speaker 3: It's a conversation that a lot of people don't want 248 00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:06,000 Speaker 3: to have, but it's a conversation that needs to be had. 249 00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:11,080 Speaker 3: And when you look at the WNBA as a whole, 250 00:14:11,320 --> 00:14:15,000 Speaker 3: from the beginning to from nineteen ninety seven when the 251 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:19,440 Speaker 3: league started. Black women, for whatever reason, just haven't really 252 00:14:19,480 --> 00:14:24,600 Speaker 3: been given the same opportunities in the WNBA as their 253 00:14:24,760 --> 00:14:27,720 Speaker 3: white counterparts, whether that's a white female or a white male. 254 00:14:29,080 --> 00:14:31,800 Speaker 3: We just haven't been given that opportunity. And when we 255 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:37,760 Speaker 3: are like there's a microscope on us where they're watching 256 00:14:38,840 --> 00:14:44,120 Speaker 3: every little thing we do and not allowing us to 257 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:49,080 Speaker 3: be who we are. Right, Spoon one of the fiercest 258 00:14:49,080 --> 00:14:52,960 Speaker 3: competitors I've ever played against, one of the best people 259 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:55,400 Speaker 3: I've ever known that I know. 260 00:14:55,720 --> 00:14:57,520 Speaker 1: And when you have. 261 00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:04,600 Speaker 3: A rookie in Angel Reese who speaks up and says, damn, 262 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:10,160 Speaker 3: I want to play for her and her seeing the 263 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:13,800 Speaker 3: talent and Kennedy Carter to say, Kennedy Carter needs to be. 264 00:15:13,840 --> 00:15:16,080 Speaker 1: In this league, I agree one hundred percent. 265 00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:18,760 Speaker 3: There are not a lot of coaches in this league 266 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:23,480 Speaker 3: that can coach a Kennedy Carter. But Spoon was that one. 267 00:15:24,720 --> 00:15:27,040 Speaker 3: And not only was she just another player that played 268 00:15:27,040 --> 00:15:28,320 Speaker 3: in the WNBA, She's. 269 00:15:28,120 --> 00:15:32,400 Speaker 1: A freaking Hall of Famer. One season one. 270 00:15:32,600 --> 00:15:35,840 Speaker 2: You gave her one season one season, Like. 271 00:15:35,880 --> 00:15:39,040 Speaker 1: Please make that make sense. I don't see how any 272 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:42,080 Speaker 1: coach can turn around a franchise in one season, but 273 00:15:42,360 --> 00:15:54,720 Speaker 1: certainly not under the circumstances that Spoon was under. It 274 00:15:54,920 --> 00:15:58,320 Speaker 1: just truly bothers me and baffles me because I don't 275 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:02,400 Speaker 1: understand why the expectations for us are always different. I 276 00:16:02,440 --> 00:16:06,120 Speaker 1: recall reading an article from the Sports Business Journal that 277 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:08,080 Speaker 1: came out a couple of years ago, maybe about two 278 00:16:08,160 --> 00:16:11,600 Speaker 1: or three years ago now, and they talked about how 279 00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:15,400 Speaker 1: when you look at players and player marketing in the WNBA. 280 00:16:15,560 --> 00:16:17,600 Speaker 2: To the point that you mentioned earlier. 281 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:21,400 Speaker 1: There were two hundred and twelve I believe, articles that 282 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:25,800 Speaker 1: were written that season about the WNBA, and of the 283 00:16:25,880 --> 00:16:29,720 Speaker 1: two hundred and twelve articles that were written, black players 284 00:16:29,720 --> 00:16:34,280 Speaker 1: were only mentioned forty four times the leading players. 285 00:16:33,920 --> 00:16:35,400 Speaker 2: That were mentioned in that season. 286 00:16:35,480 --> 00:16:38,960 Speaker 1: And I believe this was it was the I'm saying 287 00:16:38,960 --> 00:16:40,880 Speaker 1: twenty twenty one, but it might have been twenty twenty two. 288 00:16:40,920 --> 00:16:43,400 Speaker 2: It was the County the twenty fifth anniversary season. 289 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:45,880 Speaker 1: So that was the season where it was two hundred 290 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:48,960 Speaker 1: and twelve articles written. Black players were mentioned in those 291 00:16:49,040 --> 00:16:52,400 Speaker 1: articles forty four times. Now, help me do the math, 292 00:16:52,640 --> 00:16:54,640 Speaker 1: because there are one hundred and forty four players in 293 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:55,560 Speaker 1: the WNBA. 294 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:59,000 Speaker 2: Eighty percent of the players in the WNBA are African 295 00:16:59,000 --> 00:16:59,960 Speaker 2: American or women of cubs. 296 00:17:01,640 --> 00:17:03,520 Speaker 1: You could only talk about forty four of them in 297 00:17:03,520 --> 00:17:06,400 Speaker 1: two hundred and twelve articles. And that's not even forty 298 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,199 Speaker 1: four different players, such as forty four different mentions. So 299 00:17:10,040 --> 00:17:14,199 Speaker 1: probably the same player mentioned multiple times. I'd give you 300 00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:18,520 Speaker 1: maybe you know Asia Wilson, maybe probably a Jewel Lloyd 301 00:17:18,840 --> 00:17:21,600 Speaker 1: or you know, maybe you know, I don't know, Alissa 302 00:17:21,720 --> 00:17:22,879 Speaker 1: Thomas might have got a name in it. 303 00:17:23,000 --> 00:17:24,240 Speaker 2: I don't know. I can't be sure. 304 00:17:24,560 --> 00:17:27,080 Speaker 1: At that time, they probably were still ignoring Connecticut, so 305 00:17:27,080 --> 00:17:29,280 Speaker 1: it ain't no telling. But the point that I'm making 306 00:17:29,440 --> 00:17:32,560 Speaker 1: is is that it has never been fair as it 307 00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:35,680 Speaker 1: relates to race, and folks don't want to tackle race 308 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:39,080 Speaker 1: because it makes them uncomfortable. But that's exactly the problem. 309 00:17:39,160 --> 00:17:41,960 Speaker 1: You need to be uncomfortable. You just need to be 310 00:17:42,119 --> 00:17:45,639 Speaker 1: uncomfortable in having this conversation. Yes, And I even know 311 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:50,080 Speaker 1: from personal experience coming through this business. As I was 312 00:17:50,080 --> 00:17:53,560 Speaker 1: making my way through this industry, there were opportunities that 313 00:17:53,600 --> 00:17:56,280 Speaker 1: were presented that I would apply for and I would 314 00:17:56,280 --> 00:17:59,199 Speaker 1: not get those opportunities, but they would use me to 315 00:17:59,280 --> 00:18:01,199 Speaker 1: train the white man or the white girl that they 316 00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:05,600 Speaker 1: hired in my place. And I was mad confused, like 317 00:18:05,680 --> 00:18:09,480 Speaker 1: wait a minute, or you know this person could continually 318 00:18:09,480 --> 00:18:12,600 Speaker 1: be late, continually be late, continually be late. If I 319 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:16,639 Speaker 1: show up five minutes late one time, it's a warning. Yeah, 320 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:21,320 Speaker 1: how did I like? The goalpost keeps it keeps moving, 321 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:23,720 Speaker 1: and so it gets me to a point where I 322 00:18:23,800 --> 00:18:27,000 Speaker 1: just always have to ask, like what what can we do? 323 00:18:27,560 --> 00:18:31,679 Speaker 1: Like at what point does it does the responsibility shift 324 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:35,840 Speaker 1: from us needing to meet a specific expectations to folks 325 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:39,800 Speaker 1: understanding the expectations they're setting is unrealistic. Chicago should have 326 00:18:39,920 --> 00:18:43,720 Speaker 1: known that there was no possible way that they were going. 327 00:18:43,760 --> 00:18:47,679 Speaker 1: And from my understanding, the person who released this was 328 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:50,840 Speaker 1: also a black woman, right, so now we really playing 329 00:18:50,880 --> 00:18:53,720 Speaker 1: that game? Now we really playing that game? Right where 330 00:18:54,200 --> 00:18:56,600 Speaker 1: we're really playing that game? Now, like this a smoove 331 00:18:56,680 --> 00:19:00,520 Speaker 1: over better if she says it or if she t 332 00:19:01,040 --> 00:19:04,399 Speaker 1: because it won't look like we're the ones that's really 333 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:06,119 Speaker 1: behind the bullshit. 334 00:19:06,680 --> 00:19:09,520 Speaker 3: So you know what, you're gonna take the black woman 335 00:19:09,680 --> 00:19:12,879 Speaker 3: and put her out in front and let her release 336 00:19:12,920 --> 00:19:15,520 Speaker 3: the statement because it's a black woman you're. 337 00:19:15,640 --> 00:19:21,880 Speaker 1: Firing, right, So you think that we can't see. 338 00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:26,520 Speaker 3: Through the bullshit, like we see what you're doing. But 339 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:32,679 Speaker 3: I also want to God, this is such a deep 340 00:19:33,280 --> 00:19:36,040 Speaker 3: topic and conversation, but it's one that needs to be 341 00:19:36,160 --> 00:19:39,200 Speaker 3: had because I also want to go back to like 342 00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:44,840 Speaker 3: the whole Christine Brennan interview, not even interview, but her 343 00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:49,080 Speaker 3: questions for dj A Carrington right. And I know there 344 00:19:49,119 --> 00:19:52,840 Speaker 3: are a lot of people who are like, no, Christine, 345 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:55,280 Speaker 3: she did nothing wrong. She said nothing wrong. 346 00:19:55,720 --> 00:20:01,080 Speaker 1: Everything about that question and the follow up question was 347 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:06,200 Speaker 1: wrong and it was the way you ask it. Yes, 348 00:20:06,359 --> 00:20:09,439 Speaker 1: Christine Brennan's been in the game for a very long time. 349 00:20:10,160 --> 00:20:12,960 Speaker 1: I don't know how much she's actually covered the WNBA 350 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:18,560 Speaker 1: in it's twenty seven years. But okay, whatever, but you 351 00:20:18,280 --> 00:20:23,240 Speaker 1: you came at her. You came at her and basically 352 00:20:23,320 --> 00:20:27,919 Speaker 1: said you hit her in the eye, poked her in 353 00:20:27,920 --> 00:20:32,040 Speaker 1: the eye. I also heard someone on ESPN or CNN 354 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:34,320 Speaker 1: or somewhere say you stabbed her in the eye. 355 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:38,800 Speaker 3: I'm like, yes, see it in y like you stabbed 356 00:20:38,800 --> 00:20:40,880 Speaker 3: her in the eye. I'm like, no, she didn't. First 357 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:45,120 Speaker 3: of all, Caitlyn herself said it was a basketball play. 358 00:20:45,760 --> 00:20:51,320 Speaker 3: This happens all the time. But you come at her like, oh, Djna, 359 00:20:52,119 --> 00:20:54,879 Speaker 3: can you tell us if you intentionally meant to hit 360 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:55,920 Speaker 3: Caitlyn in the eye. 361 00:20:56,880 --> 00:20:59,439 Speaker 1: So I asked this question. 362 00:21:00,200 --> 00:21:03,280 Speaker 3: Did she go to Caitlyn and say, Caitlin, did you 363 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:06,920 Speaker 3: purposely hit Djona in the I when she lost her contact? 364 00:21:07,280 --> 00:21:11,440 Speaker 1: I thank you, thank you? Did you because the question 365 00:21:11,560 --> 00:21:15,280 Speaker 1: is no, you did not right, No, of course you didn't. 366 00:21:15,560 --> 00:21:18,680 Speaker 2: Of course you didn't. It's of course you did. 367 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:21,920 Speaker 3: It's stuff like it's stuff like that tea that as 368 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:24,080 Speaker 3: a as a black woman, and I don't care what 369 00:21:24,119 --> 00:21:27,760 Speaker 3: profession even me as a as a former professional athlete, 370 00:21:27,800 --> 00:21:32,520 Speaker 3: like you know, when you're when you're playing and you're 371 00:21:32,520 --> 00:21:36,199 Speaker 3: at the top of your game, everybody loves you, everybody 372 00:21:36,280 --> 00:21:40,960 Speaker 3: wants you, and when you're done, like, I can't tell 373 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:45,080 Speaker 3: you how many times I personally have tried. I've tried 374 00:21:45,119 --> 00:21:49,200 Speaker 3: and tried and tried to get on staff, not even 375 00:21:49,240 --> 00:21:52,040 Speaker 3: as a head coach, but as an assistant coach with 376 00:21:52,160 --> 00:21:56,520 Speaker 3: a WNBA team. Now, don't don't come at me and 377 00:21:56,560 --> 00:22:00,159 Speaker 3: say you don't have enough experience. I am a three 378 00:22:00,280 --> 00:22:04,359 Speaker 3: time MVP, a four time Olympic, a three excuse me, 379 00:22:04,400 --> 00:22:07,320 Speaker 3: a three time Olympic gold medalist, a four time WMA champion, 380 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:07,920 Speaker 3: a three. 381 00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:09,880 Speaker 1: Time Defensive Player of the Year. But were gonna keep 382 00:22:09,920 --> 00:22:15,240 Speaker 1: going random credential, Cheryl, random shit chirl. Don't you know what. 383 00:22:15,320 --> 00:22:18,920 Speaker 1: I may not have the the the so called coaching experience, 384 00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:23,840 Speaker 1: but I have the experience. You know the game, you 385 00:22:23,920 --> 00:22:25,200 Speaker 1: know the game, you know the game. 386 00:22:25,240 --> 00:22:28,680 Speaker 3: But you but you will go yes, but but that's 387 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:29,480 Speaker 3: not good enough. 388 00:22:29,880 --> 00:22:33,199 Speaker 1: That that isn't good enough. Another example of this is 389 00:22:33,359 --> 00:22:38,399 Speaker 1: just last season, last season, how many black women head 390 00:22:38,400 --> 00:22:42,199 Speaker 1: coaches could we have had in the w NBA, But 391 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:48,080 Speaker 1: instead the Phoenix Mercury hired Vanessa and I that part. Yeah, 392 00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:52,880 Speaker 1: there were coaches out there who won from college players 393 00:22:52,920 --> 00:22:55,000 Speaker 1: like you know, former players like yourself. 394 00:22:55,200 --> 00:22:56,200 Speaker 2: There are so many. 395 00:22:56,080 --> 00:22:59,600 Speaker 1: Different people, but instead you went with Vanessa and I Guard. 396 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:02,480 Speaker 1: Now that franchise was already going through whatever they were 397 00:23:02,520 --> 00:23:05,720 Speaker 1: going through, because clearly they were dealing with the Britney 398 00:23:05,720 --> 00:23:08,680 Speaker 1: Griner situation, they were dealing with the Sky, the dig 399 00:23:08,720 --> 00:23:11,639 Speaker 1: and Smith situation. They already had enough on their plate. 400 00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:17,080 Speaker 1: And rumor has it that Nicki Blue, who essentially took 401 00:23:17,119 --> 00:23:19,879 Speaker 1: over after Vanessa was fired, was the person who had 402 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:23,480 Speaker 1: the ear of the team any way. So my question 403 00:23:23,560 --> 00:23:27,959 Speaker 1: from the beginning was why who also was someone who 404 00:23:28,080 --> 00:23:32,760 Speaker 1: had more experience? Why was she not already considered, why 405 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:35,280 Speaker 1: was she not your first go to It's just like 406 00:23:35,760 --> 00:23:38,680 Speaker 1: we have to continue again to work twice as hard 407 00:23:38,840 --> 00:23:40,200 Speaker 1: and not get half as much. 408 00:23:40,600 --> 00:23:42,000 Speaker 2: That's not even talking. 409 00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:44,840 Speaker 1: About those who have to worry about paid differential and 410 00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:49,080 Speaker 1: those who have to worry about recognition. I recall one 411 00:23:49,119 --> 00:23:53,040 Speaker 1: time sitting in a meeting with my former employer. I 412 00:23:53,080 --> 00:23:55,480 Speaker 1: was sitting in a meeting and I brought up a 413 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:59,480 Speaker 1: really dope ass idea, and folks questioned my idea like 414 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:02,240 Speaker 1: ten times times. They found every hole that could be 415 00:24:02,359 --> 00:24:05,800 Speaker 1: poked in that idea. A month later, we come back 416 00:24:05,800 --> 00:24:09,960 Speaker 1: to our monthly meeting and a coworker of mine he 417 00:24:10,080 --> 00:24:14,120 Speaker 1: mentions the exact same thing, but shifts maybe one. 418 00:24:14,160 --> 00:24:15,080 Speaker 2: Or two words. 419 00:24:15,400 --> 00:24:18,040 Speaker 1: It was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I 420 00:24:18,080 --> 00:24:20,840 Speaker 1: could not contain myself. I quickly stood up in that 421 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 1: meeting and I said, hey, guys, I'm not even trying 422 00:24:22,840 --> 00:24:24,880 Speaker 1: to be funny, but for real, for real, I said 423 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:27,560 Speaker 1: the same shit last month. So what's the difference between 424 00:24:27,640 --> 00:24:30,080 Speaker 1: last month and now? Like, what makes it different now? 425 00:24:30,119 --> 00:24:32,760 Speaker 1: Because he said it? Like, that's what makes it different 426 00:24:32,840 --> 00:24:34,919 Speaker 1: because he said it, because he did it. And so 427 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:39,240 Speaker 1: the point is simply this, We're always ignored, but the 428 00:24:39,359 --> 00:24:43,560 Speaker 1: expectation never changes. I'm still expected to produce at the 429 00:24:43,680 --> 00:24:46,840 Speaker 1: same level in the same rate as my white male 430 00:24:46,920 --> 00:24:48,160 Speaker 1: and female counterparts. 431 00:24:48,280 --> 00:24:50,119 Speaker 2: And I get sometimes that. 432 00:24:50,240 --> 00:24:52,479 Speaker 1: You know, as women, we have to always stick up 433 00:24:52,520 --> 00:24:55,200 Speaker 1: for each other and stick together, but there is definitely 434 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:58,920 Speaker 1: a difference at time and the expectation even between white 435 00:24:58,960 --> 00:25:02,000 Speaker 1: women and black women, right, And it's we have to 436 00:25:02,160 --> 00:25:06,560 Speaker 1: acknowledge that. We have to because here's the thing. If 437 00:25:06,600 --> 00:25:10,760 Speaker 1: this was a white head coach, to say, the opportunity 438 00:25:10,920 --> 00:25:14,960 Speaker 1: to coach again is not at all the same as 439 00:25:14,960 --> 00:25:17,640 Speaker 1: it is with Spoon. We don't know if Spoon gonna 440 00:25:17,640 --> 00:25:20,320 Speaker 1: get an opportunity to coach again because the door is 441 00:25:20,359 --> 00:25:23,639 Speaker 1: not always reopened for us. 442 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:26,960 Speaker 3: No, and that's the problem. You're one hundred percent correct. 443 00:25:27,440 --> 00:25:31,359 Speaker 3: Just like back to the Nicki Blue situation, right, Niki 444 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:35,879 Speaker 3: Blue was good enough to be the quote interim coach 445 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:38,440 Speaker 3: and get you through the season and be there through 446 00:25:38,440 --> 00:25:43,119 Speaker 3: the Britney Grinder situation and tackle the Skylar Diggins questions 447 00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:46,240 Speaker 3: when she wasn't the one who was the head coach. Right, 448 00:25:46,720 --> 00:25:49,720 Speaker 3: She's good enough to get you through the season, but 449 00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:53,359 Speaker 3: she's not good enough to be your next head coach. 450 00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:55,160 Speaker 1: That's the part. 451 00:25:55,359 --> 00:25:56,119 Speaker 2: And where's Nikki? 452 00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:59,440 Speaker 1: Now, don't know. I'm looked up because I was curious. 453 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:04,000 Speaker 3: Right, we started in nineteen ninety seven and I was 454 00:26:05,080 --> 00:26:06,040 Speaker 3: fortunate enough. 455 00:26:05,840 --> 00:26:08,840 Speaker 1: To be able to play quite a few years. 456 00:26:09,080 --> 00:26:12,200 Speaker 3: But I looked this up because I was curious, and 457 00:26:12,960 --> 00:26:17,720 Speaker 3: it said of the black head coaches, twenty one have 458 00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:22,120 Speaker 3: been black men and twenty have been black women. Now, 459 00:26:22,160 --> 00:26:25,680 Speaker 3: mind you, this is since nineteen ninety seven, so this 460 00:26:25,840 --> 00:26:28,399 Speaker 3: is on Google so anybody can look it up. It 461 00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:31,840 Speaker 3: just said, in a league made up primarily of women 462 00:26:31,880 --> 00:26:36,639 Speaker 3: of color, just twenty one point five percent of WNBA 463 00:26:36,720 --> 00:26:40,000 Speaker 3: head coaches have been black women in the league's twenty 464 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:45,400 Speaker 3: seven year history. You mean to tell me that we're 465 00:26:45,400 --> 00:26:48,760 Speaker 3: not good enough or we're not qualified enough to be 466 00:26:48,880 --> 00:26:52,000 Speaker 3: in charge as to coach a team as a as 467 00:26:52,040 --> 00:26:55,680 Speaker 3: a head coach. And you know what happens team when 468 00:26:55,760 --> 00:26:59,320 Speaker 3: a situation like Teaspoon happens. It puts a bad taste 469 00:26:59,359 --> 00:27:02,040 Speaker 3: in our mouth, like I see what happened to her, 470 00:27:02,119 --> 00:27:06,240 Speaker 3: And in my mind, I'm like, hey, y'all know, I 471 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:07,520 Speaker 3: don't want to be the next one. 472 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:09,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, but you was. 473 00:27:09,480 --> 00:27:12,000 Speaker 1: But what it also does is that it makes you 474 00:27:12,160 --> 00:27:16,080 Speaker 1: feel as if that door will never be open for 475 00:27:16,440 --> 00:27:19,719 Speaker 1: someone else, like I don't want this to be And granted, 476 00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:22,840 Speaker 1: if it was a situation where she just truly did 477 00:27:22,880 --> 00:27:26,840 Speaker 1: not perform, and if it was a performance situation, that's 478 00:27:26,920 --> 00:27:30,320 Speaker 1: one thing, right And I say that to say, there's 479 00:27:30,359 --> 00:27:33,639 Speaker 1: head coach Tennisha Wright. Head coach tennische Wright was also 480 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:37,720 Speaker 1: let go this past season from the Atlanta Dream. Head 481 00:27:37,720 --> 00:27:41,000 Speaker 1: coach tennich Wright was a black woman, and she had 482 00:27:41,040 --> 00:27:45,600 Speaker 1: three years to build in Atlanta, and unfortunately, even when 483 00:27:45,600 --> 00:27:48,159 Speaker 1: she was given some additional pieces, I think the addition 484 00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:50,639 Speaker 1: of an aerial powers, granted she has some injuries, but 485 00:27:50,960 --> 00:27:54,280 Speaker 1: an addition of an aerial powers Jordan Canada, like you 486 00:27:54,320 --> 00:27:57,440 Speaker 1: know the way Ryan Howard continues to dominate. Alisha Gray 487 00:27:57,560 --> 00:28:00,800 Speaker 1: truly came out of her shell this year. Felt like 488 00:28:01,600 --> 00:28:04,120 Speaker 1: you had the pieces to at least take your team 489 00:28:04,200 --> 00:28:06,959 Speaker 1: to the next level, the next level being the postseason, 490 00:28:07,080 --> 00:28:08,600 Speaker 1: maybe even get a first round win. 491 00:28:09,040 --> 00:28:10,159 Speaker 2: You had the pieces. 492 00:28:10,480 --> 00:28:14,720 Speaker 1: So no one's going to put up a fight about 493 00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:18,200 Speaker 1: the dismissal of Tanisha, right because I think most people 494 00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:21,440 Speaker 1: who know the sport, no, Well, since you were given 495 00:28:21,440 --> 00:28:25,719 Speaker 1: an opportunity, you didn't make good on that opportunity, and 496 00:28:25,760 --> 00:28:29,440 Speaker 1: so this happens, right, Yeah, But I do think that 497 00:28:29,480 --> 00:28:32,480 Speaker 1: Tanisha should get another job somewhere because I don't think 498 00:28:32,480 --> 00:28:35,119 Speaker 1: she's a bad head coach. Just maybe this wasn't wasn't 499 00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:38,440 Speaker 1: for her. I look at women like Vicki Johnson, she 500 00:28:38,600 --> 00:28:41,840 Speaker 1: was on her assistant coaching staff. She said, absolutely, get 501 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:44,440 Speaker 1: another head coaching position. I don't feel like she shouldn't 502 00:28:44,440 --> 00:28:47,120 Speaker 1: be a head coach anywhere. We talked about Nicki Blu 503 00:28:47,200 --> 00:28:49,880 Speaker 1: and that's the thing. We can see the recycling of 504 00:28:49,960 --> 00:28:53,840 Speaker 1: coaches over and over, but do we continue to see 505 00:28:53,880 --> 00:28:59,360 Speaker 1: these additional chances given to us. And that's what is 506 00:28:59,480 --> 00:29:04,160 Speaker 1: disappoint When that door closes. Exactly when that door closes, 507 00:29:04,200 --> 00:29:08,800 Speaker 1: that door is closed, like that ship is. It's shut. 508 00:29:09,040 --> 00:29:12,440 Speaker 1: It's shut. And listen, when when you talk about performance, 509 00:29:12,560 --> 00:29:15,240 Speaker 1: I don't, I don't. I don't. I don't really give 510 00:29:15,280 --> 00:29:18,840 Speaker 1: a ship what their reason is. It was wrong, it 511 00:29:18,920 --> 00:29:19,320 Speaker 1: was wrong. 512 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:23,800 Speaker 3: You cannot expect Spool to come in there her very 513 00:29:23,840 --> 00:29:29,240 Speaker 3: first season and really make the playoffs, win the championship whatever. 514 00:29:29,800 --> 00:29:31,120 Speaker 2: It's crazy. 515 00:29:31,640 --> 00:29:35,320 Speaker 1: I my mind is blown. 516 00:29:35,600 --> 00:29:38,200 Speaker 3: Like I saw that and I was like, oh, this 517 00:29:38,360 --> 00:29:41,920 Speaker 3: gotta be a different Teresa Weatherspoon because I know it ain't. 518 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:44,120 Speaker 1: The head coach of Chicago, There's no way. 519 00:29:44,440 --> 00:29:45,240 Speaker 2: Yeah. 520 00:29:45,320 --> 00:29:46,320 Speaker 1: I also. 521 00:29:47,640 --> 00:29:54,120 Speaker 3: Need the players to understand how much power they hold 522 00:29:54,400 --> 00:29:58,360 Speaker 3: in their voices and when shiit a right. 523 00:29:59,120 --> 00:30:04,680 Speaker 1: Y'all has y'all gotta speak up. Yep, that's all. That's 524 00:30:04,720 --> 00:30:07,440 Speaker 1: all I'm gonna say, because I'm not sure a lot 525 00:30:07,440 --> 00:30:12,440 Speaker 1: of the players under truly understand the value that they 526 00:30:12,520 --> 00:30:15,800 Speaker 1: hold when they speak up, they use their voices, they 527 00:30:15,840 --> 00:30:19,840 Speaker 1: all come together collectively, they can make a lot of changes. 528 00:30:20,280 --> 00:30:23,240 Speaker 1: And if Spoon is not given I'm sorry. If Spoon 529 00:30:23,360 --> 00:30:27,640 Speaker 1: is not given another opportunity to coach and not an assistant, 530 00:30:27,680 --> 00:30:29,760 Speaker 1: if she's not given another opportunity to be a head 531 00:30:29,760 --> 00:30:33,640 Speaker 1: coach in the w NBA, shame on them. 532 00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:34,800 Speaker 2: Yeah. 533 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:37,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, And I think that's a good place to leave it. 534 00:30:37,520 --> 00:30:38,680 Speaker 2: So stick around. 535 00:30:38,800 --> 00:30:41,280 Speaker 1: Fans will be right back after this will a little 536 00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:41,720 Speaker 1: bit more. 537 00:30:54,320 --> 00:30:55,520 Speaker 2: Welcome back, guys. 538 00:30:55,240 --> 00:30:58,480 Speaker 1: To levels to this with Cheryl Swoop Sincereka Foster Bradsby 539 00:30:58,640 --> 00:31:02,520 Speaker 1: and you know, we have at quite a much needed 540 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:07,840 Speaker 1: and maybe to some uncomfortable conversation around the expectations around 541 00:31:07,840 --> 00:31:11,920 Speaker 1: black women and specifically coaching in the WNBA. But one 542 00:31:11,960 --> 00:31:14,719 Speaker 1: thing that I want everyone to take away from you know, 543 00:31:14,800 --> 00:31:18,400 Speaker 1: this conversation is that things can change, but it starts 544 00:31:18,520 --> 00:31:21,480 Speaker 1: with you, Like you have to be a person to 545 00:31:21,840 --> 00:31:24,720 Speaker 1: As you mentioned earlier, Cheryl, use your voice, right, players 546 00:31:24,760 --> 00:31:28,560 Speaker 1: got to use their voice. I love seeing the WNBA 547 00:31:28,680 --> 00:31:32,920 Speaker 1: Players Association utilizing their platform to speak up on behalf 548 00:31:33,000 --> 00:31:36,640 Speaker 1: of what they felt was right. I love it when 549 00:31:37,160 --> 00:31:41,000 Speaker 1: people are not afraid to challenge the status quo. I 550 00:31:41,040 --> 00:31:43,640 Speaker 1: think that's the first way that we can really start 551 00:31:43,680 --> 00:31:45,600 Speaker 1: to bring about some form of change. 552 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:47,480 Speaker 2: And you know better than anybody, this. 553 00:31:47,520 --> 00:31:50,640 Speaker 1: League has been a league where it's players have been 554 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:53,320 Speaker 1: on the forefront of changing things and changing narratives for 555 00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:54,480 Speaker 1: years is what they do. 556 00:31:54,920 --> 00:31:58,480 Speaker 2: So I think that has to be one of the. 557 00:31:58,400 --> 00:32:02,080 Speaker 1: Ways that we start to say, hey, y'all, y'all can't 558 00:32:02,120 --> 00:32:04,959 Speaker 1: keep doing this, like y'all can't keep acting like this 559 00:32:05,200 --> 00:32:07,120 Speaker 1: front office can't keep acting like this. 560 00:32:07,240 --> 00:32:08,360 Speaker 2: I'm not going to continue to. 561 00:32:08,360 --> 00:32:12,200 Speaker 1: Play for like in situations like this, right. So, I 562 00:32:12,240 --> 00:32:15,240 Speaker 1: definitely love the idea of using the power of your voice. 563 00:32:15,480 --> 00:32:18,960 Speaker 3: Yeah, and Tee what I There's so much that I 564 00:32:19,000 --> 00:32:22,360 Speaker 3: took away from our conversation, and you know, just just 565 00:32:22,400 --> 00:32:24,560 Speaker 3: being able to talk about real life shit. 566 00:32:24,680 --> 00:32:28,760 Speaker 1: And it's not just in sports. This is unfortunately, this 567 00:32:28,800 --> 00:32:30,920 Speaker 1: is the world that we're living in today. It is. 568 00:32:31,080 --> 00:32:34,480 Speaker 1: But I think one way to make. 569 00:32:34,320 --> 00:32:39,880 Speaker 3: A change is just that having the uncomfortable, tough conversations, 570 00:32:40,280 --> 00:32:43,920 Speaker 3: because if you just continue to keep it inside and 571 00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:47,440 Speaker 3: be mad and be angry at the world, nothing's ever 572 00:32:47,480 --> 00:32:50,400 Speaker 3: going to change. But you also can't be afraid to 573 00:32:50,520 --> 00:32:53,720 Speaker 3: speak up. You can't be afraid to have those conversations. 574 00:32:54,000 --> 00:32:56,840 Speaker 3: And I also look at it and say, one thing 575 00:32:56,880 --> 00:32:59,000 Speaker 3: I know about the w and you just said it. 576 00:32:59,000 --> 00:33:02,760 Speaker 3: It doesn't We know that WNBA is predominantly a black league, 577 00:33:03,240 --> 00:33:08,080 Speaker 3: But I also know that the white players, international players, 578 00:33:08,720 --> 00:33:12,120 Speaker 3: they are all a big sisterhood and they all have 579 00:33:12,280 --> 00:33:15,280 Speaker 3: shown before that when the one forty four comes together, 580 00:33:16,160 --> 00:33:19,400 Speaker 3: they can make change. And that's one thing that I. 581 00:33:19,320 --> 00:33:23,320 Speaker 1: Would love to see them do more of, is just 582 00:33:23,360 --> 00:33:24,360 Speaker 1: speak out right. 583 00:33:25,000 --> 00:33:30,120 Speaker 3: Race, politics, religion, those those are some uncomfortable conversations, but 584 00:33:30,160 --> 00:33:31,960 Speaker 3: they're conversations that have to be had. 585 00:33:32,280 --> 00:33:37,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, per And so usually I always say something crazy like, oh, 586 00:33:37,840 --> 00:33:40,400 Speaker 1: you know, I apologize if I offend anybody, But no, 587 00:33:40,520 --> 00:33:44,200 Speaker 1: I don't apologize at all, because if you're offended by 588 00:33:44,280 --> 00:33:47,120 Speaker 1: the conversation that we just had. If the conversation made 589 00:33:47,120 --> 00:33:49,800 Speaker 1: you that uncomfortable, then this conversation was for you. 590 00:33:51,000 --> 00:33:51,800 Speaker 2: It was for you. 591 00:33:51,800 --> 00:33:55,640 Speaker 1: You are the exact target audience that we were looking 592 00:33:55,680 --> 00:34:00,080 Speaker 1: to get to periods and ask the bottom line. But 593 00:34:00,240 --> 00:34:04,200 Speaker 1: as we are leveling off from today's show, sure, I 594 00:34:04,280 --> 00:34:06,960 Speaker 1: know you got something to help our fans. 595 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:08,479 Speaker 2: Level up for the next for the next week. 596 00:34:08,640 --> 00:34:11,680 Speaker 1: Who do I do? I do? I listen? 597 00:34:12,440 --> 00:34:15,920 Speaker 3: You know what I have for the people today, for 598 00:34:16,120 --> 00:34:19,480 Speaker 3: my sisters today, and you know what just for women 599 00:34:19,520 --> 00:34:20,080 Speaker 3: in general. 600 00:34:20,160 --> 00:34:22,280 Speaker 1: Period, This is what I got for you. And it's 601 00:34:22,320 --> 00:34:23,480 Speaker 1: called this Woman. 602 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:28,160 Speaker 3: It says this woman has fought a thousand battles and 603 00:34:28,320 --> 00:34:31,920 Speaker 3: is still standing, has cried a thousand tears and is 604 00:34:31,920 --> 00:34:38,000 Speaker 3: still smiling, has been broken, betrayed, abandoned, rejected, but she 605 00:34:38,120 --> 00:34:43,280 Speaker 3: still walks proud, laughs loud, lives without fear, loves without doubt. 606 00:34:43,719 --> 00:34:47,640 Speaker 3: This woman is beautiful, This woman is humble. This woman 607 00:34:48,400 --> 00:34:48,600 Speaker 3: is you. 608 00:34:49,760 --> 00:34:53,800 Speaker 1: Oh my gosh, Charyl, where do you find these? 609 00:34:54,840 --> 00:34:57,040 Speaker 3: Don't say that's what I got for you today? But 610 00:34:57,120 --> 00:34:59,239 Speaker 3: I needed that one. I needed that one. 611 00:35:00,280 --> 00:35:02,720 Speaker 1: I did. I needed that for my soul. 612 00:35:03,480 --> 00:35:05,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, that was a good one. That was a good win. 613 00:35:05,920 --> 00:35:08,560 Speaker 1: We're getting ready to head out of town, and so 614 00:35:08,719 --> 00:35:10,719 Speaker 1: that's kind of those things that you need to like 615 00:35:10,760 --> 00:35:12,680 Speaker 1: take with you as you like, you know, get on 616 00:35:12,719 --> 00:35:14,759 Speaker 1: the plane and be like, I got this, all right, 617 00:35:15,760 --> 00:35:21,680 Speaker 1: I got this. I think sometimes we do we question ourselves, right, 618 00:35:21,760 --> 00:35:24,279 Speaker 1: And we talked about this on our last episode. We 619 00:35:24,440 --> 00:35:27,799 Speaker 1: just we questioned a lot. But I don't know how 620 00:35:27,840 --> 00:35:29,000 Speaker 1: many of us haven't. 621 00:35:28,760 --> 00:35:33,160 Speaker 3: Been broken, been doubted, been questioned, and we still find 622 00:35:33,200 --> 00:35:37,719 Speaker 3: a way, like may Angelo said, and still I rise, right, 623 00:35:37,760 --> 00:35:41,080 Speaker 3: I find a way to keep rising. So to all 624 00:35:41,120 --> 00:35:45,319 Speaker 3: of my sisters out there, y'all keep doing you, keep 625 00:35:45,360 --> 00:35:47,760 Speaker 3: being you, and keep rising. 626 00:35:47,960 --> 00:35:48,680 Speaker 1: That's what we do. 627 00:35:49,920 --> 00:35:51,160 Speaker 2: That's what we do, y'all. 628 00:35:51,239 --> 00:35:54,319 Speaker 1: Well, everybody, thanks for listening to levels to This will 629 00:35:54,360 --> 00:35:57,879 Speaker 1: be back next week with more next level conversations about 630 00:35:57,880 --> 00:36:00,640 Speaker 1: the real shit we go through as women listening. This 631 00:36:00,760 --> 00:36:04,560 Speaker 1: isn't just our show, it's our show, so we want 632 00:36:04,560 --> 00:36:07,400 Speaker 1: to hear from you. Leave us a review and Apple 633 00:36:07,480 --> 00:36:09,879 Speaker 1: podcasts tell us what you thought of this week's show 634 00:36:10,160 --> 00:36:12,040 Speaker 1: and what you may want us to talk about next. 635 00:36:12,040 --> 00:36:13,480 Speaker 2: But until then, keep 636 00:36:13,480 --> 00:36:18,520 Speaker 1: Your mentors ground level and we'll be back next week.