Updated: Jul 22, 2003, 12:45 PM

Sue Bird: Story or Non-Story?


	The spotlight on Sue Bird doesn't always involve basketball.

As a point guard, Sue Bird is used to making tough decisions. But did she flunk the test when appearing on a Seattle sports-talk radio show before the season?

Confident in her ability to take care of the basketball and seeking to convert the most vocal opponents of the WNBA -- male sports-radio junkies -- Bird agreed to a wager with WKJR morning host Mitch Levy. If Bird maintained a two-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio, Levy would buy Seattle Storm season tickets. If she didn't, Levy would get to publicly spank Bird.

Bird, who has twice appeared in WNBA national television spots dressed in revealing clothing, drew sharp criticism in recent weeks for accepting the bet. One of the loudest critics was Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, who said the bet "helps feed into the images of violence against women and stereotyping."

After listening to all sides, Bird opted to back out of the bet. What's your take on the story? Vote below in our SportsNation poll.

You must be signed in to post a comment

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

ESPN

Sue Bird: Story or Non-Story?

1) How often do you listen to sports radio?

2) Have you ever attended a WNBA game?

3) What best describes your view of the story?

4) Who is most to blame for the controversy?

5) Which is of more concern to you?

6) Do professional female athletes have a greater social responsibility than their male counterparts?

7) Are you more inclined to watch a Seattle game on television after following the story?

You must be signed in to post a comment

SportsNation on Facebook

THIS WEEK'S CHATS

ESPN

Sue Bird: Story or Non-Story?

1) How often do you listen to sports radio?

2) Have you ever attended a WNBA game?

3) What best describes your view of the story?

4) Who is most to blame for the controversy?

5) Which is of more concern to you?

6) Do professional female athletes have a greater social responsibility than their male counterparts?

7) Are you more inclined to watch a Seattle game on television after following the story?

You must be signed in to post a comment

Need an account?

Already have an account?

SportsNation on Facebook

THIS WEEK'S CHATS