Frank Kaminsky’s podcast hastily deleted an inappropriate tweet last night. Why isn’t he supporting the WNBA?
Update:
*At the time of writing, no statement had been made.* Frank Kaminsky has since responded on Twitter saying that he doesn’t tweet from that account and that “what was said was wrong.”
Last night, the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks completed yet another chapter in their intense rivalry saga. The Sparks ended up eliminating the Lynx from the playoffs by a close 75-68 margin and played one of the best games the WNBA has seen all season.
Last night, Frank Kaminsky’s “Pros and Joes” podcast also deleted a tweet asking “Would you rather go to a WNBA Playoff game” or “have 2 dollars”. The Barstool Sports (which has had plenty issues of their own) podcast features Kaminsky and three of his high school friends.
This misogyny, intentional or not, cannot continue.
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The NBA’s biggest stars have all spoken out as advocates for the talent in the WNBA. Clearly, the WNBA is respected by major NBA players. Why is it so difficult for Kaminsky to acknowledge this?
“Maybe he’s just not a fan?” some may say in his defense. And that’s fine. There’s no state-level mandate stating that NBA players have to be fans of the WNBA. But why does it draw so much ire? You’re kidding yourself if you believe that other male-dominated basketball leagues like the NCAA, Big 3, or Euroleague would be the butt end of so many jokes.
“Could it be that Kaminsky just isn’t interested in the WNBA?” Sure, it’s possible. But it seems pretty silly to not watch women’s basketball given that it’s a great tool for learning the game. Warriors star Draymond Green has been vocal about why he watches the WNBA. “I learn more from the WNBA. They know how to dribble, how to pivot, how to use the shot fake,” he said as a part of a lengthy piece in SI. And still, if you’re in the NBA, it might not be a good idea to disparage their partner league.
“Well, maybe it was just the podcast account, and Kaminsky didn’t have anything to do with it,” others might say. And that’s true, we don’t know if Frank actually had anything to do with the tweet or not. That said, It’s a podcast of four pretty close friends, so it’s hard to believe Kaminsky doesn’t reflect their values in some capacity. Additionally, he’s yet to make a statement either condemning the tweet or apologizing.
At the end of the day, the WNBA puts out a quality product that can get plenty of people excited. To rehash the most tired and unoriginal joke about the WNBA, while you’re a bench player for a middling NBA team? That’s not a good look, Frank.
You don’t have to be the biggest fan of the WNBA. You don’t have to want to go see a playoff game. But you do have to respect their game and talent. And if Frank Kaminsky can’t do that, then perhaps there’s more to worry about than his on the court production.