Eric, as much as the truth of what you have to say angers me, I think that your analysis of the situation is correct and that it is sad but true that integrity takes a back seat to finance in business and politics, and that pro sports are among the worst offenders. (see the NFL's handling of the Ray Rice episode, Major League Baseball turning a blind eye to steroids{which forever damaged the validity of lifetime hitting and pitching records}, the NBA's extended tolerance of drugs, guns and violence by some of their top players, and the NHL's refusal to stop fighting because they feel it puts fannies in the seats).
I tell those I know who are not insightful enough to appreciate women's sports, and in particular basketball, that the games are played well, the girls stay for four years, the fan base is loyal, and that for the most part big money doesn't call the shots. (How many Division I women's basketball teams turn a profit for their schools?).
But of course that logic is flawed and simple minded. D is sitting out a year when she has so few left (whatever number of years she eventually plays it will not be enough) because a Russian tycoon is paying her not play. Jewell left one of the most prestigious sports schools in the country and the second most impressive women's basketball program to turn pro early. And Isiah Thomas is, against all common sense, about to take the reins of another sports franchise that he'll torque and twist until it collapses.
And it looks as if no one can, or will, do anything about it.
