The stories of female ballers need to be told, according to Sue Bird.
Promoting women in sports is about telling their stories, said Sue Bird on Friday as she was introduced as the FIBA Women's World Cup 2026 ambassador. And this also starts by allowing the athletes to speak their truth.
Bird was inheriting the ambassador role from Spanish basketball star Pau Gasol, following the success of the FIBA Women's World Cup 2022 in Australia.
And, on Friday, Gasol and Bird were asked about protecting women's sports and how to prevent the ladies from being overshadowed following the unfortunate scandal involving the Spanish women's football team, which had just captured the FIFA Women's World Cup championship in July in scintillating, historic fashion.
Spain secured its first ever women's football title in the global stage with a 1-0 win over England. But it was sadly overshadowed when Spanish football federation head Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips in celebration.
Hermoso denied Rubiales' contention that the kiss was consensual.
"It starts with people being able to tell their truth, holding the powers that be accountable," Bird said during the press conference. "I think it's a very sad situation, what happened to Jenni. Hopefully, we see more accountability."
Football's world governing body FIFA suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months.
"It was a little bit... very disappointing to see that moment happen," Spanish basketball star Gasol said. "Took away from the moment of joy, happiness, and those amazing women that did an amazing job."
"That behavior cannot be tolerated, cannot be accepted," Gasol emphasized. "We need to protect and be able to call it out."
"And as president of the federation, [he] should know better," he added. "Now we gotta deal with it and make sure it doesn't happen again."
Two sporting icons speaking out and calling for action is a good start. But a lot still needs to be done.
And it starts with holding the powers-that-be accountable.
(MDB)