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

Comments

[Antresa Simmons]

I am your bigest fan I love you a lot . I pray in hope that your baby come out cutie. LOVE ALWAYS ANTRESA SIMMONS

[Tyrone]

I love u

[aqmberann wilson]

are you marride?

[Justice]

hey I'm in tech and I'm doing my project on you just to let you know.
I know you always get this from fans but I love you and the way you play ball.
yea, but I have to go, Just remember me okay. I will type you back later.

***!!!BYE!!!***

[Jasmine Wilson]

I just a very big fan of you. I've watched while you were playing college ball and instantally thought to myself i wanna be just like you! Not all me but the other girls off my basketball team (Randolph-Clay Red Devils) as well. Just keep doing what you doing and hopefully i will meet you one day!

Your #1 Fan....
Jay-Jay

[Brenda Richardson]

Everybody out their that feel Candace is making a mistake rethink it. The real Question is, will Candace be in shape to play when the season comes, not that she will not play because she will. Will her body be in total shape and condition for the season after having a baby. Candace Parker is married and still should be able to have a social life outside her professional life. If Candace knows how to keep the two separate she will be okay and i am all for maintaining the two. I still believe that she the most exciting player in the WNBA but she has a right to continue her life and play basketball as well.

[breanna]

candice iz the bestplayer in the wnba..........

[brianna perry]

well from athlete to athlete ii play basketball to, and is doing well in it , and if candace parker wants to have a baby itsz her choice, and yes she has a job working, but why should a woman be pinalized just because they want to start a family?/////