All Articles Tagged "Mavericks"

No.1 Draft Pick Brittney Griner On Being Gay In The WNBA: ‘I’ve Always Been Open About Who I Am And My Sexuality’

April 18th, 2013 - By Brande Victorian
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Source: WENN

Source: WENN

It shouldn’t be surprising that the WNBA is a lot more accepting of “alternative lifestyles” than the NBA is, but for No. 1 draft pick Brittney Griner it doesn’t make her much nevermind. Before Monday, it was a toss-up whether the Baylor grad would be heading to the WNBA or charting new territory with the Dallas Mavericks, as owner Mark Cuban claimed he’d give the Houston-born baller a shot to try out. But four days ago, the Phoenix Mercury scooped up the 22-year-old before he had a chance to make good on that offer, and from an interview with Sports Illustrated it’s clear she already feels at home.

Asked along with the No. 2 and 3 draft picks, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins, why coming out in women’s sports is more accepted as opposed to men’s, Brittney said:

“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different. Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are. Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are.”

At 6’8″ it’s hard for Brittney to hide much — a reality that made being “out” much less of a deal for her, she told SI when asked whether it was difficult for her to be openly gay.

“It really wasn’t too difficult, I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that. I’ve always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So, it wasn’t hard at all. If I can show that I’m out and I’m fine and everything’s OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way.”

Whether the NBA adopts such an open and accepting attitude — along with the NFL and other predominately male sports — remains to be seen. But so far, it looks like we can chop up the WNBA’s LGBTQ acceptance as yet another example of how women are surpassing men.

Lamar Odom and the Dallas Mavericks Part Ways; Will Khloé Stay Down For Him?

April 10th, 2012 - By Victoria Uwumarogie
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Source: khloekardashian.celebuzz.com

While it sounded like a beautiful relationship on paper, Lamar Odom and the Dallas Mavericks have broken up. And if you were wondering who broke up with who, they’re both claiming it was a “mutual agreement.” As Odom told ESPN, it is “in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team.”

The husband of Khloé Kardashian, reality TV star and popular power forward was only with the Mavericks for four months (in a season that was shortened by last year’s lockout), but in reality, he never really got off to a good start with the team. After spending years as a Laker, winning championships and even obtaining the coveted Sixth Man of the Year Award, the team not so quietly (though they tried to be slick about it) tried to ship Odom to the New Orleans Hornets, only to quickly have him sent packing to the Mavericks after the trade was vetoed. Feeling unwanted, Odom was pretty open about the fact that he felt disrespected by his former team, and I guess he took that attitude down South. Throughout the season, Odom played like he was out of it, and fans noticed it according to the good folks at AP.

“Odom never seemed happy or comfortable in Dallas, not even when wife and reality TV co-star Khloé Kardashian was in the stands just a few feet from the Mavericks bench. His averages of 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 20.5 minutes were career lows, and he was booed by the home crowd as the sluggish performances multiplied. The low point appeared to come Saturday night, when he played just four minutes in a 94-89 loss at Memphis. Asked after the game about the situation, Odom simply shrugged his shoulders.”

Damn. You know things are all bad when the home crowd doesn’t even want to show you love, but when you don’t show up and show out, don’t expect open arms. But Odom has had a tough season with personal tragedies and distractions. While the Mavericks lose their best backup for Dirk Nowitzki, Odom is left without a job and will most likely be deemed inactive for the rest of the season. Granted, the NBA season will only last for a few more months, but still, I’m sure he’s not too happy about that.

In response to her husband’s current situation and the reality that they’ll probably need to leave Dallas, Khloé told the world her feeling’s on her husband’s treatment via Twitter. According to US, she said, “You deserve so much better.  Know your worth and know your skills that have been proven and earned! You showed your strength, I love you…Why do I always have to leave when there is so much to do. I love Dallas :(

In the few times that I’ve watched “Khloé & Lamar,” Khloe has always seemed like she was down for whatever when it came to her man, but I’m wondering if this situation (and the constant moving they seem to always have to do) will affect her? All she can do at the moment is be supportive, but we know if this was Kim, somebody’s lawyer would be getting called, and some PR statements would be sent out. But Khloé does seem different and very likable, so I’m sure she’ll roll with the punches. They do still have their reality show (where I’m sure the drama of this situation will be played out on), though some say Odom’s involvement on the show could have hurt his appeal with the Mavericks. But even if he didn’t have that, I’m sure big momma Kris could always hook him up with something…

 

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