by Suzanne Sweeney
Rumors started swirling a couple years ago with the emergence of new talent at Baylor University. Maybe the word “emergence” is too delicate of a word when the presence of Brittney Griner demands to be noticed. Standing at 6’8”, Brittney towers over her opponents, forcing them to not only double up on her, but at times triple up. Even that can prove futile with a wingspan of 88” that is 7’ 4 inches. To help put that into perspective, Carmelo Anthony’s wingspan is 7ft, and Kobe Bryant’s wingspan is said to be 6’ 11”. Starting to get the idea? Yeah, she’s a big girl. Her shoe size is a men’s size 18. This, of course has caused rumors and jokes to swirl. “Is Brittney Griner a man?” It is just too hard to imagine a woman being that tall without being labeled a freak of nature. Fortunately for Brittney, she has the talent to back it up. So with, ahm, distinct features such as hers, why do I say Brittney Griner is not a man? I say this because no matter how talented Brittney may be, she will never have the earning potential of a man in the NBA.
Women’s college basketball may not draw the crowd that men’s college basketball can bring in. With Men’s College basketball coming to its whirlwind end in March, many names stood out this season. Jonny Flinn (Syracuse Orange,) Kemba Walker (UConn,) Scoop Jardine (Syracuse Orange,) and JaJuan Johnson (Perdue) all have the ability to bring in the crowds. Syracuse, for example is home of “The Dome,” and has had attendance exceed 34,000 when playing against Villanova University. No doubt, these gentlemen, Jonny Flinn especially, are on their way to the NBA. With players like Carmelo Anthony (Melo) earning over 15 million dollars last year, and the average NBA player earning over 5 million dollars, the talent of the Men’s NCAA have a promising future. (1)
So how exactly does the salary of a WNBA player compare to that of a NBA players salary? Well, as I stated, the average NBA player earns over 5 millions dollars, and that’s before the endorsements. Compare that to the WNBA where the top earner makes a $101,000 a year in comparison.
Brittney Griner may compare to the boys when in comes to height, wingspan, and dunking abilities, but it seems she will never be able to run with the big boys when it comes to salary.
Hi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is sad that women seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to salary and that is in almost all professions. If you look one the bright side though $101,000 is nothing to sneeze at.
Ruth Hall
Suzanne Sweeney
ReplyDeleteGood post didn’t even know who she Brittany was as a player before reading this . Thanks for the information. And what a big difference in pay the women get . Wonder if that will change ?
Jaycin Firestone
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI have no idea who Brittney is, but this was interesting to read. That double standard always sucks. Nice job.
Samantha
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure who she is, but I believe I have heard jokes about her. Hopefully one day, the WNBA will be as recognized as the NBA and this unfair pay difference will change!
Alisha O.
I know exactly who you are talking about and have seen her play on the TV. She really is like a "freak of nature" with how massive she is compared to everyone else. I do feel bad that a talent like that really never really have a chance in the big leagues, but at least she is doing what she loves to do. And I would not mind making $101,000 a year.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Cunningham
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI have heard of Brittany, but have yet to see a picture of her. Your blog make me curious to google her now. I had no idea of the salaries of player either. That is nuts! Thanks for the information.
Cary Bryson
Some truly great athletes play in women's sports, both collegiate and professional. Perhaps someday the "gender barrier" will be broken!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. I am shamed to admit this, but I never heard of Brittany until now. It is unfair that it is "still" a mans world-still. We have come a long way though. Hopefully, she will get the right recognition someday. She certainly has the many gifts to help make a mark for women! Again, great post.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Brittany but I enjoyed your post. Its a shame this world is so unfair when it comes to men and women. Good post!
ReplyDeleteMelissa K
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI found your post very interesting and informative. It's amazing just how tall and big some people can really be. You said Brittany's "shoe size is a men's size 18;" this amazes me! My boyfriend's cousin is 7'1" and wears a mens shoe size 21. He has to have his shoes and clothes specially ordered through Nike. The family always thought he was born to be a basketball player, but he never really had an interest in it. I find it astonishing that the WNBA does not pay even close to the amount that the NBA does. Even though I'm not a close follower of either the NBA or WNBA I found this post to really catch my intention. Great blog!
Jennifer Samios
This is sad. Women get no credibitly in sports. They get paid less. I have never heard of her but I bet she is just as good as the men and she should be treated equally. I think this was very informative. Good job.
ReplyDelete-Kendra McCracken
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteLike the other's I was unaware of who Brittney Griner was as well. Women always get put on the back burner but yet were expected to do everything and get paid less. Good Job.
Alison