Women’s History Month is already off to a strong start in the NBA, with the Toronto Raptors paying tribute (their version of one) to women around the world. Growing up as a huge pro wrestling fan, I’ve seen some bad scripts in my day, but this one takes the cake. Whoever wrote this script needs to be hit over and over. Include the person who approved this script and subsequent filming of the following video.
The fact that the NBA is asking teams to recognize women in March is great, but how about thinking about what you’d like players to say on camera? Obviously, Fred Van Fleet and Pascal Siakam have decided to ignore this tribute video. Either they saw the script and said, “No, I’m going to sit that one out,” or Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn drew the straws short.
These players look so uncomfortable and awkward in this video that begs the question why did the Raptors choose to release this so quickly? It was the equivalent of breaking a story without all the facts just to be first. They couldn’t even wait a full day before groping the month. Something so simple ends up being a comedic moment that could have been avoided with a little patience. Or any idea of anything women do well besides having children.
Like Emily Leibert wrote to Jezebel“I can’t stop thinking about how, on a bench of 17 players, these were the best answers the team could come up with. What did other players say was so… insufficient that the video had to be edited in just 13 seconds with these three as shining beacons of the cis male ally? I demand to see the cut sequences, the bloopers.
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And if you’re wondering, the Raptors deleted that video quickly, quickly, and in a hurry. Kindness, gracious. Great job, Raptors; you ruined Women’s History Month.
Updated March 3: The Raptors have apologized.
“We are an organization that prides itself on doing the right thing when it comes to inclusion and representation, and we made a mistake (Tuesday),” the team told The Sun of Tortono bed. “Our sincerest apologies to our players, staff and fans – we will work to do better today and every day after.”