Los Angeles Sparks’ Call for Male Practice Players Sparks Controversy
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks have found themselves at the center of a social media storm after their recent call for male practice players. The team, in a social media post last week, invited male players to try out for their practice squad. The response was so overwhelming that the Sparks had to stop taking applications. However, not everyone is thrilled about the situation.
Cameron Brink, a forward for the Sparks, expressed her discomfort with the online reactions to the team’s call. On her podcast, “Straight to Cam,” which she co-hosts with Sydel Curry-Lee, Brink shared her concerns. “My confession is I’m really icked out by the potential new practice players,” she said. Brink explained that the team usually practices with college players from USC, who also work with the women’s team there.
What really bothered Brink were the comments she saw online. “All the comments are like, ‘Let Cameron Brink back me down,’ or something about Rickea or something about Kelsey. … Who are we trusting coming into this gym?” she questioned. The flyer for the tryouts featured Brink and her teammates Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Kelsey Plum, which seemed to have sparked some inappropriate comments.
The Sparks have not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation. Brink, who is 23 years old, has an impressive background. She won an NCAA championship with Stanford in 2021 and was selected by the Sparks with the second pick of the 2024 WNBA draft. Standing at 6-foot 4-inches, Brink is known for her defensive prowess.
Despite her concerns, Brink did not oppose the idea of playing against men in practice. However, she did express reservations about giving her full effort against male players selected through the tryout process. “I’m not boxing anyone out,” she stated. “Lynne (Roberts), our new coach, is going to be screaming at me for not rebounding, but I’m not boxing out anyone.”
As the Sparks prepare for the upcoming WNBA season, they are set to face the expansion Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco on May 16. The team and its players are undoubtedly focused on the season ahead, but the controversy surrounding the practice squad tryouts has added an unexpected layer of complexity to their preparations.
For those interested in the tryouts, here are the details:
- Date: Saturday, April 12
- Time: 10-12 PM
- Location: El Camino College
- Registration: Register & fill out the waiver today
As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Sparks address the concerns raised by Brink and whether any changes will be made to the tryout process. The team has a strong history and a dedicated fan base, and they will undoubtedly be looking to maintain their focus on the court as the season approaches.
In the world of sports, the dynamics of practice squads and team preparations are always evolving. The Sparks’ decision to open tryouts to male players is a testament to their commitment to finding the best possible practice partners. However, as Brink’s comments highlight, it’s crucial to ensure that the process is respectful and inclusive for all involved.
As the WNBA season draws near, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the Sparks navigate this situation and what impact, if any, it will have on their performance on the court. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Sparks are poised to make a significant impact this season, and their handling of this controversy will be an important part of their journey.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
