Recession, bailouts, unemployment; these tough economic times cause us all to reflect on our careers and evaluate the degree of our job security, from which professional athletes are equally affected.
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| I feel blessed to have won two titles in Detroit. |
| Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images |
Many people look at the Shock leaving Detroit as a sign of failure for our league -- I simply see it as evidence of the tough economic times we find ourselves in, and the obvious fact that sports are not exempt from the repercussions that ensue.
Debates of financial instability have plagued the WNBA since it started in 1997. At this point, the doubts are as worn out as the “how’s the air up there” jokes I hear on a consistent basis. Despite the critics and the doubters, we have found the resiliency to make it to our 14th year of existence. Please do not mistake my somberness for skepticism. Optimistic by nature, I am also realistic about where we are today as well as extremely passionate about the possibility of our future. My next few blogs I will cover a spectrum of issues as I describe our league from my perspective, past, present and future: quite simply, “the W, according to me.”
Good-bye and Hello . . .
My first recollection of my days with Detroit, I was sitting in my little apartment in Valencia, Spain and Bill Laimbeer called me to inform me that he was going to select me first in the dispersal draft that was about to take place. The following season proceeded to be one of the most memorable for me, as we went from “worst to first” beating L.A. in a thrilling three game series in front of the largest crowd in WNBA history of 22,076 people. Many players go through their entire careers without winning a championship, I feel blessed to have won two in Detroit. As an organization, winning three in six years is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I personally want to thank the Detroit organization, coaches, players, and last but not least the fans for the wonderful support you have shown over the years!!
Not often in life do you shake one hand, saying good-bye with a sense of sadness and appreciation for the memories you have had, and with the other hand you say hello, extending it with excitement and anticipation of the possibilities that lay ahead. Tulsa, we welcome your enthusiasm, passion, and desire to be a part of the growth of our league. We appreciate your commitment to acquiring the Shock and look forward to bringing the best that women’s basketball has to offer to your fans in Oklahoma!!
