Megan Rapinoe challenged Draymond Green to receive equal pay
When a loaded Saturday Sweet 16 slate was awarded a UConn-Iowa women’s heavyweight matchup, Draymond Green weighed on the equal opportunity conversation that was dominated in March.
The Golden State Warriors striker posted a lengthy version of Twitter addressing issues such as wage differentials and media exposure in men’s and women’s sports. He invited “Lady Hoopers” to join the conversation, and some did. Just like soccer star Megan Rapinoe, a bitter advocate of women’s rights in sport and beyond.
Not everyone was on board with Green’s takes.
Draymond’s setting
Green’s Twitter screed is too long to post in full here. But here are the highlights, with Green primarily pushing for more awareness of the women’s sport, which leads to more revenue and ultimately more pay for the athletes. Towards the end of UConn’s victory over Iowa, he began tweeting.
I have spoken a lot about the gender pay gap. Especially in sports. It’s not even close. But let’s stop letting your discomfort fall on deaf ears because of numbers. As long as you argue about payment, the earnings will stay the same …
– Draymond Green (@ Money23Green) March 27, 2021
They will continue to point out that the income is not high enough to cover higher salaries. While that’s true in almost every business, how can we pull this card out of our pockets? This is the key to changing the payment. There is no argument for a lack of revenue unless …
– Draymond Green (@ Money23Green) March 27, 2021
They actually make those who say they stand for women stand up. The NBA wasn’t always the global game it is today. It hasn’t always generated as much sales as it does today. But there were people behind it who built the platform and above all told INDIVIDUAL …
– Draymond Green (@ Money23Green) March 27, 2021
Build stories and interest in the players. So began the game. Who is building your platform? Who is telling each story about how great you are all? Arouse interest and turn women’s basketball into a global game?
– Draymond Green (@ Money23Green) March 27, 2021
He also encouraged women to take responsibility for their stories to be told and explained why he turned down opportunities to self-raise awareness.
I was asked to do so many female empowerment adhesives this month. I said no. It’s hypocritical. Because the same companies that tell women empowerment don’t put their money where their mouth is. Ask these companies to support you all. Capitol in …
– Draymond Green (@ Money23Green) March 27, 2021
The business. Stop allowing women to scream empowerment for the look. No company grows without funding. Your business can grow with the right funding and storytelling. Let these giant corporations put the money into your cause. That strengthens! Or don’t shout empowerment from women
– Draymond Green (@ Money23Green) March 27, 2021
Women answer
ESPN’s Maria Taylor, an eminent volleyball and basketball player at college in Georgia, seemed to question that point as she thanked Green for her efforts.
Let us be careful not to take responsibility for solving the problem of a patriarchal society’s apathetic view of women in sport on WOMEN. Just as we shouldn’t ask POC to fix the problems associated with racism. But in any case, you appreciate seeing and looking for solutions https://t.co/ZHGaFc7NSj
– Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) March 27, 2021
Rapinoe: We asked about these things
Rapinoe, who has fought for equal pay and opportunities in Congress and in court, pointed to her and others’ efforts in response to Green.
Really believe that we are not out here for more investment, more resources, more storytelling, more branding and marketing dollars, more youth investment, more investment in coaches, more TV time, etc., etc., etc., to infinity have asked? Https://t.co/DctSHGhISO
– Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) March 27, 2021
She then argued that it is up to the men to make change and encourage Green to do it themselves.
Even if they call you to do a PSA for Women’s Month, why not tell them everything we’ve told them in ages too?
– Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) March 27, 2021
Just like with struggles over any other social issue, change cannot be made when the only people who care enough about the change are those who suffer the most.
– Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) March 27, 2021
Napheesa Collier of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx also encouraged Green and his NBA colleagues to use their power to advance the gender equality movement.
We are happy that you jump into the convo @ Money23Green The NBA and its players are the only ones sitting at these tables from a position of power. So, if we really want to keep companies on the fire, you are the only ones who have the leverage to really kickstart those changes. Https://t.co/z0x437xJGy
– Napheesa Collier (@PHEEsespieces) March 27, 2021
The funding gap between the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments has dominated sports talk for the past few weeks. It will likely continue to spark more conversations, like the one Green started on Saturday.
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