How exemptions for rookies might impact their growth and the league’s future

The implications of exempting Reese and Cardoso with new media policy(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)LAPRESSE

The WNBA has implemented a new media policy allowing teams to exempt two players from shootaround media availability on game days. The Chicago Sky has promptly exercised this option for their rookies, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. While the league likely intended this change to protect its players, it could have unintended consequences, especially for Reese and Cardoso.

Angel Reese, known for her talent and aversion to media attention, is a natural candidate for this exemption. The Sky’s decision to shield her from the press is hardly surprising, given her public discomfort with media interactions. However, this protection may come at a cost. Reese is a player who, love her or hate her, garners significant public interest. People are eager to hear her thoughts and insights, and by limiting her media exposure, the league is potentially stifling her growth as a public figure.

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The life of a professional athlete, especially one with aspirations of fame and success, inevitably involves engaging with the media. By exempting Reese from these obligations, the WNBA may inadvertently be doing her a disservice. This is the life you choose when you aim for the pinnacle of sports-riches, fame, and celebrity come with the territory, including media scrutiny.

The potential backlash of the WNBA’s new media policy

Kamilla Cardoso, another promising rookie for the Sky, also falls under this exemption. While this might offer her some initial relief, it could hinder her ability to build a rapport with fans and establish her brand. Media interactions are not just about answering questions; they are a platform for players to express themselves, share their journey, and connect with their audience.

Moreover, this policy raises questions about equality and double standards in sports. Can you imagine an NFL team allowing their star rookie quarterback to skip media sessions? The uproar would be deafening. Equality in sports means holding everyone to the same standards, regardless of gender. By giving Reese and Cardoso a pass, the WNBA might unintentionally suggest that female athletes require special protection, undermining the push for equal treatment.

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The league’s decision to implement this policy reflects a protective stance, but it risks sending the wrong message. It suggests that some players might be too fragile to handle the spotlight, which could reinforce harmful stereotypes about female athletes. For Reese and Cardoso, this could mean missing out on crucial opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.

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In striving for equality, the WNBA should reconsider the broader implications of this policy. Allowing players to bypass media responsibilities might provide short-term comfort, but it could also hinder their long-term development and the league’s growth. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso have the potential to become major stars. Embracing the spotlight, rather than shying away from it, is an essential part of that journey.