Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Dear internets: Please stop writing about women. Altogether. Completely. You're terrible at it, and end up sounding a) like the mythical basement-dwelling libertarian World of Warcraft fiend that every non-internet user assumes is the average blogger, or b) like the degraded Vince Vaughn avatar every schmuck devoid of an identity gloms onto being in the company of other men. Love, me.
Even the normally tolerable are turned into drooling, febrile nitwits by the issue of "women+sports=WHAAA?" Look no further than The Big Lead, the US Weekly of sports blogs, for further evidence as to how a usually competent blogger may be struck with bolts of stupid lightning in the presence of a woman:
Erin, here’s a bit of a newsflash: If you want to be perceived as a professional, you dress professionally. A blogger mentioned to us that Andrews was essentially a glorified “pharmaceutical saleswoman with a microphone and a press pass,” and if you’ve ever seen pharm sales reps in the doctor’s office, there are essentially two types: The ones in the revealing sun dresses and the ones in the business suits (regardless of the weather). If you choose door No. 1, you’re going to have guys like Rick Sutcliffe and Lou Piniella noticing. And commenting.Note: no accountability for Rick Sutcliffe or Lou Pinella. None. Being men, though, they're just lucky if they wear pants to work, much less avoid ogling and hooting at women, drinking themselves blind drunk before one o'clock in the afternoon, or blowing the mortgage payment at the track on payday. It's Erin Andrews' fault for wearing a sundress when it's blazing hot outside, since they just can't help themselves! Why, you should hear what they say to the regular beat writers, who feel like sad pieces of meat every time Lou Piniella comments on their moobs in a tight t-shirt. Those guys are the real victims here.
I'm a man, or so I've been told, and the quasi-retardation creeping into any post involving women and sports floors me. It's a woman. They're everywhere. Get used to it. For fairness, we wish someone would follow Peter Gammons around and take pictures of his rump in tight trousers and of him eating hot dogs suggestively, and not because we're into the jockey-type, but because it would be hilarious to watch a guy put under the same scrutiny. Though Peter Gammons, I'm sure, is sexy to someone out there.
This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
11 comments
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
Scoreboard data copyright © 2012 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters
•
Odds Shark 
Comments
Just leave the girl alone damnit. She’s doing a good job, just lay off. I’ve seen girls wear worse to Sunday Church than what she’s worn to the ball games.
Just.. Leave here alone.
by npcPronk29 on Aug 4, 2008 12:09 PM EDT reply actions
Please follow Gammons (or someone like that) around. That would be hilarious and perfectly emphasise the point you are making.
by cgasparro on Aug 4, 2008 12:40 PM EDT reply actions
How’s this for turning the tables:
‘Nevermind the forearms on that stud, check out how the dangling press ID ropelace cleverly highlights that dried up river bed thing on his neck, and how the purple, unbuttoned collar tantalizes anyone pining for a glimpse of old-man cleavage…oglers beware! That’s hott!’
Now someone please pass me a bucket, lunch is attempting a comeback.
by Larsen B on Aug 4, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions
Years back in Cleveland, a female sports "reporter" lost her job with a TV station because her work ended up with an engagement ring on her finger……from then Tribe star Jim Thome. Talk about getting "up close and personal" for interviews!
by coreno on Aug 4, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions
OK, but we are grandfathered.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/43424-erin-andrews-the-chicago-cubs-want-their-women-to-hold-it
by BobMantz on Aug 4, 2008 4:45 PM EDT reply actions
If I make comments about the 2 most important women (my daughters)in my life in my sports posts, deal with it…and step off!!!
by blackbandit20 on Aug 4, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions
Yes Im understand the article…Im bein sarcastic with the previous comment. But I respect a woman who looks good and can talk sports…but I hate to hear some female journalists whine that they arent being taken serious all the while trying to dress like a hottie.
by blackbandit20 on Aug 4, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t necessarily think that female journalists should dress like brazen sluts, but at the same time, if they want to emphasize their good looks, I say let them do as they please, within tasteful limits.
The fact of the matter is that we live in a society where good looks
are universally prized, and to the point of the matter, effective in
advancing your career. If looking your best and putting yourself in the
best light possible helps your career, self-esteem, whatever, who are
we to judge?
I still want them to be competent, of course. I’m just saying that if they wanna look good, then damn, let them. This is not Afghanistan.
by jaek on Aug 5, 2008 8:38 AM EDT reply actions
Also, Versus should hire my wife to do reporting from the ice level. She is a smoking-hot Filipino girl that knows more about hockey than anyone I have met or seen on TV.
by jaek on Aug 5, 2008 8:40 AM EDT reply actions
Hey Coreno -
I am fairly certain your "up close and personal" comment was exactly what Spencer was referring to. Also nice use overuse of quotations- she’s a "reporter" – did you take a course from Dr. Evil on use of quotations?
"Lay-zer"
by PackFan on Aug 5, 2008 2:01 PM EDT reply actions
Might it be time for the first anual mls sportswriters of america swimsuit calendar? really she does a great job for the most part and you know what, its america, sex sells, frankly I dont see whats wrong with some female curves in a sport without cheerleaders.
by supershred on Aug 5, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed