June 1, 2021, Strib sub-headline, "Layshia Clarendon, the first WNBA player to openly identify as transgender and non-binary (not identifying exclusively as a man or woman), took charge of the Lynx in Sunday's game despite never having played with them." Excerpting:
What was most striking about Clarendon's [Minnesota Lynx WNBA] arrival is how routine it felt. Remember, the NFL, with all of its wealth, power and market dominance, was afraid to give a job to a talented quarterback who took a knee during the national anthem to protest the extrajudicial killing of Black people.
Yes, afraid. Terrified that the NFL might lose a few bucks or sponsors, or have to answer difficult questions.
The WNBA fearlessly has protested injustice and turned its activism into political power, particularly during the recent Senate races in Georgia.
Fearlessness is invaluable, whether you're running a team or changing the world.
"Incredible human being," Reeve said. "I've had a chance to be around Layshia with USA basketball. When I think about Layshia Clarendon, I think about all that is right with the WNBA and I think about courage, with Layshia as a nonbinary athlete, and the things that they would have to go through."
[...] "Layshia evolving to where [they are] now, to be seen and feel more comfortable in your own body, that's been quite the journey for them," Reeve said. "I'm just super proud. And I know the WNBA is super proud. And that's not the reason why Layshia is getting an opportunity with the Lynx."I needed a guard."
Reeve has won several recent WNBA championships and clearly knows how to demonstrably pick up a technical, per a few seasons ago.
Trump disrespected the league; and vice versa; with some within the NBA in concert about what a visit to the Trump White House was worth.
Colin Kapernick was in a league dominated by colusive white men in suits owning franchises, and got iced out. For taking a knee during playing of the anthem, in protest against black men dying with frequency during police encounters. Too bad he'd not been into basketball. It's a better sport.
Back to Cheryl Reeve, she'd be successful as a head coach in the NBA if given the chance, and especially if she had a men's game equivalent of Maya Moore on her team (coaching only reaches so far).
But, bottom line, have we ever seen a head coach coat-throw in the NBA? Bobby Knight once threw a folding chair, but that was in the college game - and it was Bobby Knight, not a normal person.