A Reason Not to Respect Women's Sports

If you grew up in the environment that I did, you'd understand why that is an uncharacteristic title for a post. I was taught that women's sports should be treated with the same respect as those played by men. I normally do not have a problem with that.

But, there is one story from the past year that soured me on that opinion. That is, the fall of Hope Solo. Hope Solo, a goalkeeper for the United States soccer team, is probably one of the top 5 best female athletes in the country. In the 2007 Women's World Cup she dominated the tournament, allowing only 2 goals in 4 games. But, she was benched for the semifinal match in favor of 36 year old Brianna Scurry.

The United States lost 4-0 to Brazil (In football terms, that's like losing 42-0).

After the game, an obviously upset Solo had this to say.

"It was the wrong decision, and I think anybody that knows anything about the
game knows that. There's no doubt in my mind I would have made those saves. And
the fact of the matter is it's not 2004 anymore. It's not 2004. And it's 2007,
and I think you have to live in the present. And you can't live by big names.
You can't live in the past. It doesn't matter what somebody did in an Olympic
gold medal game in the Olympics three years ago. Now is what matters, and that's
what I think."

For that reaction, Solo was not only benched for the Bronze medal game, she was kicked off the team and many of her former teammates ripped her publicly and privately.

Luckily, the head coach was fired and Solo was asked back to the team for the 2008 Olympics.

The United States just won gold, beating Brazil 1-0.

Here is my problem with the whole situation. Women's sports need an athlete like Hope Solo. She dominates and she knows it. Sure, it may have hurt the rest of the team's feelings that she felt that she was the missing link that kept the United States from World Cup victory. But, she was right.

Male athletes are often criticized for being too arrogant and boisterous. But, what many who have never competed at anything do not realize, it is that characteristic that makes those who are great, the absolute best. If Peyton Manning was benched in favor of Jim Sorgi in the Super Bowl, he would've reacted the same way and make no mistake, this story is the equivalent to benching Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl.

Bottom Line? If young female athletes start emulating Hope Solo, women's athletics will finally get the respect it deserves.

Rabbit