WNBA fans fight online about fight on court

5:58 PM, July 24, 2008

Male or female, it is never a wise idea to mess with professional athletes. This week, the Los Angeles Sparks have been making headlines after five players, four of whom are starters, were suspended by the WNBA. The Sparks aren't the only team to suffer, as five women from the Detroit Shock are getting the same punishment after players from the two teams shoved, punched, and hit each other during last Tuesday's game. Dan Arritt's article, "Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie suspended after WNBA fight," gives a play-by-play description, in words and photographs, of the "physical game that was poorly controlled by the officials."

Columnist Helene Elliot wrote that the fight began when Detroit's Plenette Pierson and Los Angeles' Candace Parker "jostled for position for a potential rebound ... Pierson rose, threw Parker down and walked up to her aggressively." It wasn't long before other teammates from both sides got involved, including assistant coach Rick Mahorn, who appeared to push Sparks player Lisa Leslie to the floor. While there is a debate among WNBA fans as to whether his push was intentional, readers were quick to form their own judgments.

Michael decided that "Mahorn should wear a dress if he's going to fight women."

Will B placed the blame on Leslie: "Lisa Leslie is just an awkward idiot who hammed it up to get Mahorn in trouble. All the man did was try to separate a brawl, an opinion shared by nearly all that were courtside."

tree52 had a similar sentiment: "With the elbows LL throws during any game she plays, I'm surprised that she is making such a big deal over a little shove! Detriot is known for being rather agressive as well! Maybe the game was called so loose, because the refs realize these are teams that play a very agressive and physical game."

wnbafan probably would have liked to participate in the fight herself: "Candace Parker is lucky she didn't get a beat down. Her cocky little attitude needed to be put in check."

To which Colleen responded: "no the whole thing is piersons fault.shes just hating on parker because parkers better than she is.then nolan came and was on top of parker."

jb seems to have a strong fear of so-called feminists: "265 pound Rick Mahorn pushes a tall but slender woman to the floor. Consequences? I'm pretty sure the league will opt for castration. Suspension will not be anywhere near enough punishment in these times viewed thru the lenses of the feminist perspective."

And in case the players thought that the brawl would at least lead to a ratings boost, JohnD is "still not interested enough to watch a game."

For readers who are interested, share your own interpretation of the violent events. Or, if you prefer dude fights over chick fights, check out our gallery of other Noteworthy sports brawls.

-- Amy Silverstein

Photo: Jerry S. Mendoza / AP