Sue Bird COMMUNITY Twitter Erupts Over Sue Bird’s WNBA and NWSL Comparison WNBA legend Sue Bird dominated Twitter following comments comparing the public’s perception of professional women’s soccer and basketball. by MaryKate Boggan October 21, 2020 WNBA legend Sue Bird dominated Twitter following comments comparing the public’s perception of professional women’s soccer and basketball. On October 17, Bird told CNN’s Don Riddell “women’s soccer players generally are cute little white girls while WNBA players, we are all shapes and sizes … a lot of Black, gay, tall women … there is maybe an intimidation factor and people are quick to judge it and put it down.” Megan Rapinoe, USWNT and NWSL star, echoed these sentiments in a piece for the Players’ Tribune. In “I’ve Got Some Things to Say. Let’s Do a WNBA Finals Preview,” Rapinoe stated she, “[wasn’t] going to write an article like this without being real” about the “deep history of racism and … homophobia [in America].” The noted Seattle Storm fan and Bird’s long term girlfriend explained that while she is grateful for the success of the U.S. Women’s National Team, she often wonders where the same viewership, endorsements, and respect exist for the WNBA. “When it comes to U.S. women’s soccer, the general perception is that — let’s face it — we’re the white girls next door. The straight, “cute,” “unthreatening,” “suburban” white girls next door,” writes Rapinoe. “Where’s [the recognition] for the women’s sports that — instead of scanning cute and white and straight — scan tall and black and queer??” Twitter Erupts After Sue Bird Comments Despite top athletes from both sports agreeing, many fans and critics alike took to Twitter to debate the star point guard’s statement. The comments on this are ridiculous. Anyone who thinks Sue is tearing down the #USWNT is missing the point entirely. A point that has been echoed by her USWNT girlfriend, Megan Rapinoe. 🤦🏻♀️🙄 https://t.co/gfdf2u38wG — Rachel (she/her) (@RachTalksSoccer) October 17, 2020 Just some quotes from Megan Rapinoe (Sue birds Girlfriend) player tribute article. pic.twitter.com/6o05UmnbUR — hiccup queen (@pinoe4president) October 18, 2020 You can't compare a domestic league to international competition. The WNBA gets 3x the domestic TV audience as its women's pro soccer counterpart, the NWSL. Her argument is just plain wrong.https://t.co/SZAeVb75ON — Nathan Max (@natemax) October 20, 2020 I was defending her now I’m not. 100% certain if she was on the field with US women’s soccer team she’d know how intimidating they are. Many are members of LBGTQ community, white black etc. can’t believe she put down another women’s sport fighting for equality to make a point smh — madRegular (@_WheresWaldo) October 17, 2020 I think female sports viewership in the U.S. is a complicated issue. One aspect is that a lot of women fans are more drawn to sports where the U.S. has had well-publicized international success. Thinking gymnastics, figure skating, and women's soccer. https://t.co/HgyJZPtG3q — Lethality Jane (@LethalityJane) October 18, 2020 Some criticized CNN for not giving context to her quote. Some context here woulda been nice. Her girlfriend is a soccer player and the article compares the two women’s success vs. their perceptions. In that case, I don’t think Sue said anything wrong. https://t.co/N2mNhRL4uW — Alexis Johnson (@alexisjreports) October 18, 2020 Clickbait headline at its finest https://t.co/9r3bUux5Mj — nick would still like y’all to read. (@Nicktionarys) October 17, 2020 Ultimately, Sue Bird’s comments open the opportunity for a fascinating yet complicated discussion regarding the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in sports. I hope we don’t miss the purpose of this powerful discussion. She’s not taking shots. She’s speaking to a true sentiment, and one that all athletes realize and want to change. Athlete is Athlete and ALL deserve equal love, respect, admiration and power. Well done @S10Bird 👏🏾🗣 — Adrienne Lofton (@ALofton31) October 17, 2020 In The Zone looks forward to continuing our coverage of social issues in sport. Thank you to fans who contributed the ideas featured in this article. Keep tweeting and you may see your takes on In The Zone! Post Views: 856 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts MaryKate Boggan Latest posts by MaryKate Boggan (see all) Twitter Erupts Over Sue Bird’s WNBA and NWSL Comparison - October 21, 2020 Rutgers Alum and WNBA Legend Cappie Pondexter Feared Missing - October 8, 2020 Shey Peddy Sends Mystics Home from WNBA Playoffs After Being Cut by Team - September 16, 2020 UConn Cheerleading Won’t Let COVID-19 Break Their Spirit - September 2, 2020 Related TopicsBasketballFans ReactFeatureMegan RapinoeNWSLSeattle StormSoccerSue BirdTwitterUCONNUSWNTWNBAWomen in Sports Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! 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