What would happen if...

A bit of a deviation from women's hoops but an important topic to discuss, and frankly, I'm annoyed.

What would happen if a strong, athletic woman could regularly dunk a basketball? What would the media do to them? I bet you they would run around and say "She has to be a 'he'." Would they ask for the same "gender test" that South African runner Caster Semenya has to undergo? According to a statement released by the Associated Press on August 20, 2009, "Her dominating run came on the same day that the track and field's ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she did not meet requirements to compete as a woman." Hmmm, "did not meet requirements to compete as a woman"? What exactly does that mean? The typical stereotyping that occurs when female athletes are extraordinarily good at their chosen sport? Oh, but it seems to be as the AP also states "Her dramatic improvement in times, muscular build, and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender." Wow.

Here is a little background on Caster: She is 18 years old and was born near Polokwane, South Africa in the rural village of Ga-Masehlong. She lived in the village until she was ready for high school when she moved in with her Grandmother who lived in the village of Seshego (2001 census: 121,000), in the northern province of Limpopo. She grew up with no running water or electricity. Caster played soccer and loved to run while growing up. Maybe we should look at who she is rather then what she is.

There is one article that seems to try to be sensitive about the subject and really blames the IAAF and the South African Track & Field organization for letting this become such a hot topic. A good article on the topic can be found here. It's a very sad case and I feel terrible for this 18 year old woman. Just think, it could easily happen in any sport but why always women?! Maybe they should start checking the male gymnasts and male figure skaters! Even the IOC (who is tough on EVERYTHING) does not perform gender testing anymore. Wake up IAAF, get with the program.

Party Spoilers
WNBA.com has a good article on playoff party spoilers. I agree with all but Washington. They can't finish a game, they can't finish a game with a 1 point lead or a 25 point lead. Without Marissa Coleman....just don't see them being a spoiler. You can read the article here. I can't help but smile when I think about Atlanta and how far they've come. I agree with them that Chicago and Atlanta will make the cut. But Indiana will keep their lead and win the East. Phoenix looks strong, nice to see them come together as Seattle has FLOPPED. Phoenix vs Indiana...now that's a final series I like!