WNBA doesn't need brawl ball

Now we have brawling in the WNBA.

 

Tuesday’s little slugfest involving the Detroit Shock and the Los Angeles Sparks was maybe a bit of a shock, but it’s not like we never knew that female athletes were capable of violence.

 

During the brawl, Detroit assistant coach Rich Mahorn pushed Los Angeles star Lisa Leslie to the floor. After viewing the video several times, I don’t get the idea that Mahorn was trying to hurt Leslie, just keep her away from the pile. The guy weighs at least 300 pounds, though. Even a gentle shove from him is going to knock most big men off balance, let alone a woman who weighs probably 170 pounds. Then, one of the Sparks’ players punched Mahorn in the back of the head as he turned away from Leslie. Lots of fun.

 

I was struck by Leslie’s demeanor as she was being interviewed by Rebecca Lobo after the game. She seemed vulnerable and intimidated – something new for her, I’ll bet – and greatly disturbed by the whole episode. She should be.

 

Hey, the WNBA needs a lift, but it doesn’t need to turn itself into roller hockey. No more of this.