Apparently Billie Jean King’s famed “Battle of the Sexes” victory still hasn’t shown girls can hang with the boys in sports.
Last week, loudmouth tennis personality John McEnroe stirred the “girls can’t play with the boys” pot after surmising tennis great Serena Williams would rank in the low 700s if she tried to play in the men’s game.
His comments kick started a rather comical duel between the two, with Williams offering some tasty comebacks on social media.
I’d like to believe Williams, who has consistently been one of the most dominant athletes in sports, would more than likely beat many of her male counterparts.
She very well could roll past the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Frankly, I’d like to see her do just that one day, just to prove my point. Hell, Williams should have a chance to qualify and compete in the men’s circuit. More than likely it will never happen.
But it all kind of brings to light the troubling concept society hasn’t really changed regarding women matching up with the men in sports.
It’s a premise that’s outdated and stale.
Women today are allowed to fight on the front lines of combat in the military. Women today hold some of the most influential positions and offices in the world.
A woman very nearly won the presidency for the first time ever in this country last year.
So to say a woman can't keep up with the boys feels about as awkward as a too-tight jock strap.
This isn’t 1950. It’s the 21st century.
Let's act like it and give women the respect they deserve on the field.
