EDITOR’S NOTE
In news that jolted the sports world: NFL athletes will soon be able to play a different kind of football — imagine winning both an Olympic medal and a Super Bowl ring. Speaking of the NFL, Lady Gaga just scored a major award for her performance ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl, and QB Jalen Hurts (once again) explained the reason for skipping that White House visit. I think we can officially move on and instead focus on the Knicks vs. Pacers matchup — I hope the players recovered from partying with these celebs over the weekend. Now, let’s get to some other sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
No Room for Hate
What's going on: The WNBA’s opener between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky had plenty of action: Angel Reese set a new league record, Caitlin Clark scored her third career triple-double, and — who can forget — the game-stopping moment that ended with Clark getting a flagrant foul and Reese a technical. But it’s what happened off the court that has sparked a larger conversation. After the Fever’s 93-58 win, the WNBA said it was investigating reports of racial slurs directed at Reese. It’s unclear when the alleged comments happened during Saturday’s game or who made them, but the incident has reignited concerns about the racism and hate WNBA players face, both online and in arenas.
Our take: This isn’t the first time the league has faced allegations of racism — especially in games involving Reese and Clark. (Remember the “you can’t see me” gesture?) A joint study by Rice University and the University of Illinois Chicago found clear evidence of racial bias in how fans and media talk about the two stars. As the WNBA investigation moves forward, the league says it will take “swift, appropriate action” as part of its “No Space for Hate” campaign, which targets hate speech online and in arenas. Aces Star A’ja Wilson hopes to see the league take action and issued this reminder: “...This is bigger than basketball. Any shoe that we wear, any jersey we have on, we’re human. People have to respect that.”
Related: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Aren’t Playing Into the Rivalry Story (Front Office Sports)
Pick Six
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Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
NFL owners on Wednesday voted against banning the "tush push." Why is the play so controversial?
The “tush push” is a short-yardage play where teammates literally push the quarterback forward, usually on fourth down, to help secure a first down. (Exhibit A: Jalen Hurts at Super Bowl LIX.) Some teams, like the Packers, have raised safety concerns about the play. But the NFL says there’s no clear evidence it leads to more injuries. As some coaches have put it, the play shouldn’t be outlawed just because one team (cough, the Eagles) has mastered it. The rest of the league just needs to figure out how to stop it.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for NY Jets and co-host of Well Played
The Press Box
We sat down with Dawn Staley, who’s a former WNBA player, the head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, and the author of Uncommon Favor.
Q: Do you have a superstition or a ritual that you do before a big game?
A: When I have time, and it depends on when we play and what time I get home, I do get in my massage chair for about 30 minutes.
Q: Growing up, did you find it odd that there was no WNBA?
A: It’s written in the book — and one of the lessons is you don’t know what you don’t know… Now, we’re at this place where there’s no looking back… let’s continue to bust down the doors and make our game grow to where we can make a true living, and I’m talking about generational wealth like there is in the NBA.
Q: You are well known for many things, including your sideline style. How many pairs of sneakers are in your collection?
A: At least 500… My closet’s done, so I moved [shoes] down to the guest bedrooms… I got some in the basement. The only thing left is my garage, and it’s filling up.
Q: What is your favorite basketball movie?
A: Love & Basketball.
To listen to the full interview, check out 9 to 5ish.
This interview was edited for clarity.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
If Memorial Day is theSkimm Shopping Super Bowl, then this REI Anniversary Sale is our halftime show. Save up to 30% off now through May 26.
While we usually reach for their dry shampoo, Amika’s Anti-Frizz Treatment is living in our gym bags this summer.
The creator of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams dropped a new line of fruit-forward fiber bars. They’re so good, we gave them an award.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
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