Repercussions of Candace Parker's pregnancy
Starting a family can be the most exciting thing in the world. It happens to women in every profession, and when it happens, there are all sorts of consequences. And if the pregnant woman has a job, the consequences can extend past the soon-to-be enlarged family. Who picks up the work you do? Will a colleague be asked to do more? Will a temp be hired?
When the pregnant woman is Candace Parker -- the best player in a league that is still, 12 years in, searching for a better position in the sports pecking order and hoping the marvelously talented, totally charismatic Parker can become a national star -- the pregnancy has singular ramifications.
Parker announced her pregnancy Wednesday. In November, she had been in Bristol, Conn., filming an ESPN SportsCenter commercial (pictured above during a break in the shoot).
"We didn't know Candace was pregnant when we shot," ESPN spokesperson Kim Jarvis said. "Yes, it may affect the release date, as we like to keep the spots topical and relevant to the sports climate."
Offering a woman the chance to do one of those ads is a big deal, and ESPN had tentatively
planned to use the Parker spot to help promote the WNBA's opening game June 6 between the Sparks and defending champion Detroit Shock.
Personnel-wise, the Sparks might also have to make moves to ensure the team can remain in playoff contention until Parker is back.
Sparks General Manager Penny Toler said the team has made an offer to Detroit Shock restricted free agent Kara Braxton and is considering going after a pair of unrestricted free agents -- Tina Thompson and Lauren Jackson.
Toler also said her reaction on hearing the Parker news was simple.
"Wow, just wow," Toler said. "That's kind of my reaction to so many of Candace's plays. Wow."
Now it's up to Toler to figure out how to make Sparks fans say "Wow" until the wow woman herself comes back to play.
-- Diane Pucin
Photo: In November, Candace Parker was at ESPN headquarters to film a "SportsCenter" commercial. Here, she has some lip liner applied during a break in the shooting. Credit: Douglas Healey / Associated Press
Whether Candace is on maternity leave or not, she is still the face of the league, and as a fan, I would still like to see her ESPN spot run throughout the season. Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies' commercial ran all summer, even before his team was seen as a serious contender for the World Series. This should be no different.
I think Candace's popularity at Tennessee made it too easy for the WNBA. They must now work harder to find a handful of players who they can market the league around. Parker is awesome, but there are other "wow" players out there yet to pushed.
Posted by: kelly T | January 08, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Candace and Lisa are the best players in the WNBA. Kara Braxton cannot fill Candace's shoes. Lauren Jackson is hurt and Tina is not a team player. The Sparks management needs to think about what they plan to do!
Posted by: Andre | January 09, 2009 at 01:09 PM
The league was here before Parker and will be just fine without her while she has her baby. She is an incredible player but is not yet the best player in the league and is most definalty not the only player in the league worth watching...Lauren Jackon, Katie Smith, Becky Hammon, Deana Nolan, Sophia Young..there are many more and all exciting and as much fun to watch as Parker. Good luck to her for a healthy pregnancy and very healthy baby!
Posted by: WNBA Fan | January 09, 2009 at 04:37 PM
I was really surprised to hear Candace is pregnant , but the Sparks must move on. Braxton sounds good, if she is signed, Thompson would also be great, too. No Candace , but they could help hold things together until she gets bac. Also like the fact that they got a 1 st round pick this year in exchange for Holdsclaw. Maybe Hampton from Cal, will be available at that point.
Posted by: ken | January 09, 2009 at 07:25 PM
OMG.... candace i look up to you so much... soon as i found you pregnant i was like OMG... but congrats girlll love you and good luck=)
Posted by: Victoria | January 09, 2009 at 08:27 PM
What do you mean? ESPN cannot run the ad! That would make having a baby a negative thing. If her husband was up for an ad, would he be canceled because he is going to be a father? No, and you know it. She did not quit the league, she is having a baby. Come on ESPN, market the good in all this. Or, does your staff not have enough creativity to pull it off? Or, do you not realize how all you sexist beings got here in the first place? Besides, they are probably creating the best basketball player, ever...male or female. Find the positive. Run the ad. You can do it. You got to want to.
Posted by: Sharon | January 09, 2009 at 08:27 PM
I love Candace Parker and ya im kinda sad that she cant play right away but im so excited for when she comes back to play. i think you should have the commercial running anyways becuase she is so well known and i think she is a big part of the WNBA's succsess. Lauren is a good player but she is hurt and no matter who it is they cant fill Candace and Lisa shoes!!!
Posted by: Morgan | January 09, 2009 at 08:31 PM
Just please sports world focus on your own personal life and leave Candace alone. Cuz yall act like its a bad thing because she's pregnant.
Candace girl I'm very proud of you and shelden and no matter what people say you are always number 1 in women's basketball!! God bless you and your family and don't let anyone get to you because always remember ignorance is bliss baby!!
Do your thing girl!! And I hope everything goes well for you.
Posted by: amber | January 10, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Candace Parker is having a baby. She didn't tear her ACL or break her back. She'll be back to the league. It is not the end of the world. Women have children.
That said maybe now people will realize just how much she means to this league. Are there other good players? Yes. But nobody commands the attention and respect that Candace does. She is the best player in that league and the only player that can make guys like me watch. And I'm not the only one.
Congrats to her and her family. I probably won't be watching until she gets back.
Posted by: Nick | January 10, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I wish candance and sheldon the best. However, I am a bit concerned that maybe Candance is pushing things a bit. She is so young, just 22 and already she is married and having a baby(which probably was not in the cards for so soon). Instead of the wedding she was planning they had to elope. She has had no time for herself since leaving Tenn and now she is going to have a baby. She hasn't had the opportunity to be young and free nor has she had a lot of life experience. I just hope the responsibility doesn't overwhelm her somewhere down the line. I do wish her the best and hope she can bounce back as soon as her body allows. I am just concerned that she may not be ready for all this.
Posted by: Hersee | January 11, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I would like to see Lisa and Tina play together. It would be interesting. Two homey from Cally.
Posted by: Marilyn | January 11, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Candace I am so happy you are having a baby it's the most wonderful thing that can ever happen don't let it get to you because that baby boy or girl will so glad to have a wonderful, beautiful mom like you. You have done a lot to women's basketball so it's good your something for yourself. I'm sad because you may not get to play in the beginning of the season because well your the best one and then Lisa Leslie. So really I wont the Sparks until you come back because there is no Sparks without Candace Parker and no one can replace that not even Tina Thomponson, Lauren Jackson,or Sara Braxton.You are my role model and I look up to you so I'll never watch anyone play expect you because your so good and no one can play like you.
Congrats to you and Sheldon and hopefully you have a beautiful baby like her mom and a healthy one too.I want to be a girl but whatever you get it's going to be beautiful and the best basketball player ever after her mom Candace Parker
Posted by: Clarissa | January 11, 2009 at 12:32 PM
I agree with you WNBA Fan. I don't know where these people have gotten this mindset that Leslie and Parker control this league. If it has anything to do with dunking, then many need to remember that Deanna Nolan, Sylvia Fowles, Michelle Snow, and probably some more, can do the same. Also, there is a great 2009 class that is coming in that will make the league even more exciting than it already is. Yes, we may not see the great Candace Parker, but we will see Chamique Holdsclaw, Marissa Coleman, Renee Montgomery, Kristi Toliver, and some other great players that I wouldn't dare miss in action.
Posted by: Alexis | January 11, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Personally I don't understand what was the big rush. Yes, women have babies all the time but why rush it! Candace and Sheldon had all the time in the world to start a family and missed out on the opportunity to enjoy each other. I ain't mad at them but I feel that everyone young person should enjoy their youth before jumping into both marriage & parenthood. Nevertheless, congrats to the newlyweds & soon to be parents. Hope you are ready to balance basketball, fame, and motherhood (fatherhood too).
Posted by: Boricua1963 | January 12, 2009 at 08:45 AM
I can not believe that mrs, williams or Mrs.Parker is having a child .I have watched from the Mcdonalds All-star game and there afterwards but congradulation to you and Sheldon.
Posted by: Janestyl scott | January 12, 2009 at 11:02 AM
hey congrats on your new arrival you are a great player and i wont watch till your
back, good luck too you and your husband.
Posted by: candy kirby | January 12, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Congrates to Candace and her husband on their marriage and new addition to the family. I must admit, i was a little shocked when i heard Candace was having a baby but she is a woman and that's what women do, have children. We sometimes let our occupations interfere with our personal lives and forget whats really important and that's family. Sure Candace is a great player and all of her adoring fans should not worry because she'll be back. Meanwhile, let the woman enjoy this very special moment in her life which will last forever. Secondly, the league isn't missing too much without CP23. There's other exciting players to watch which will keep the league running strong until Candace's return ( Cappie, Taurasi, Nolan, and Lindsay Walen to name afew ). I've been a watching the WNBA since it's inaugural season and it never ceases to amaze me on how talented and exciting the league has become. Finally, ESPN is wrong for even considering not airing the spot for the upcoming season. Candace is still a star in this league and should be treated as such.
Posted by: Jamar | January 12, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I have so much respect for Candace, dating back to when she played junior high basketball with my sister (yes, Candace was much better). Her family was and is amazing and Candace and her husband will raise this child to be the most respectful, hardworking, and dedicated child in a loving family! Regardless if this was an unexpected pregnancy, or if she eloped because she found out she was pregnant, Candace loves basketball...her family loves basketball...and she will be back. Even if she decides motherhood is more important, the sport is better off that she was involved...and I doubt she won't be back...better than ever! GO NCHS!!!!!
Posted by: Kiki | January 12, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Babies are definitely a blessing from God...whenever they "appear". However, I am shocked that Candace would start a family so soon....with her accolades...she should have waited at least a few more years. Was it Sheldon insecurities that prompted this pregancy?
Posted by: Mary | January 13, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I think the people do not need to sign Tina because she isn't no team player and Kara Braxton is not good enough to handle a good team like the Sparks. Lauren Jackson and Lisa might get to fighting because Lauren Jackson don't like Lisa. So Candace Parker PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSE hurry up and come back
Posted by: Teshia | January 14, 2009 at 06:57 AM
I personally think that everybody should just leave candace alone and let her do her own thang. Yes i thank it was a little earlier but she is human. Candace girl i love you. And no matter what people say or thank keep god first and everythang else will fall in place.
Posted by: jennifer | January 17, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Hey Candace,
congrats to you & Shelden on your new bundle of joy arriving this spring. I'm sure before the lil' one can crawl, a basketball will put in the baby's hand :o)
Great basketball traits run in the family from Mom & Dad (and Uncle Anthony in Toronto)
All the Best!!!
:o)
Posted by: BK Storm | January 18, 2009 at 01:23 PM
I was extremely shocked to hear that candace was pregnant! for one she is a role model to almost every girl that has an interest in basketball at this time. and as much as alot of people try to denie it, she IS the best player in the wnba right AND she is the face of the wnba. she's better than kara braxton, tina thompson, lauren jackson, and whoever else you wanna throw in all put together! the leagues rating have sky rocketed since parker made her debut. to me she is the best womens basketball player alive!! i dont think that this is the right time for her and shelden to start a family but hey everybody makes mistakes and she's definetly handling hers with the maturity and intelligence of a grown woman. the commercial should still air on espn because cp is great and alot of people (including myself) have been waiting to see the commercial aired. i hope the best for her, her husband, and her child. they are without a doubt raising the best basketball player to ever walk the earth's surface. despite this mistake cp you are still and always will be a WONDERFUL role ,model.
Posted by: whit | January 25, 2009 at 05:03 PM
my grand daughter loves u . she plays to high school and she wants to play for tenn because of u. thank u for giving her some one to admire.
Posted by: linda d | February 10, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Congratulations Candace and Sheldon on your marriage and future addition to the family. Let the naysayers comments be treated as obstacles that you use as stepping stones to your future goals. Take care of yourself and the baby and we look forward to your return. May God bless you and your family.
Posted by: Gwen P | February 15, 2009 at 02:28 PM