The issue of entitlement in today’s society is more apparent than ever. There’s an old saying my mother used to remind me of during my childhood whenever I complained about dinner: “Beggars can’t be choosers.” She would tell me that if I didn’t like what she was making, I was welcome to find something else. However, as a kid without the ability to drive or money, my options were limited to either eating what was prepared or going hungry.

This mindset seems relevant to the WNBA, where I’ve noticed players and their supporters exhibit a troubling sense of entitlement. The league appears to struggle to attract a large fanbase, and its financial woes are evident. It’s known for never having turned a profit, and its revenue is often counted in cents rather than dollars. When you’re a league that struggles to fill high school gyms, you don’t have the luxury to be picky about your fanbase.

It’s disheartening to see WNBA players consistently give reasons for viewers to avoid their games. Recently, mainstream media figures have openly discouraged people from watching the WNBA, labeling it as “pretend basketball.”

In the midst of this turmoil, I want to take a moment to highlight the absurdity of certain individuals in the sports media landscape. For example, David Dennis Jr., a commentator at ESPN, has drawn criticism for his remarks about the WNBA. He is a vocal advocate for the league but also someone who has recently taken on the persona of a WNBA fan after Caitlin Clark was eliminated from the playoffs.

Just hours after this significant event, Dennis took to Twitter to express his desire for Caitlin Clark’s fans to stop watching the WNBA. The hypocrisy of this statement is glaring; imagine if a white journalist made a similar comment about Tiger Woods’ fans during a PGA event. Such remarks would undoubtedly lead to immediate backlash and consequences.

This disparity raises questions about accountability. Why does it seem that individuals like Dennis can voice their opinions without fear of repercussion while others must tread carefully? David Dennis Jr. is essentially on the payroll of ESPN, a network that claims to support women’s sports and the WNBA, yet here he is telling potential viewers not to watch their programming.

This is indicative of the broader problems at ESPN. The network has shifted over the last five to ten years, moving away from quality journalism to prioritizing personalities who fit a certain agenda. Shows like “Around the Horn,” once populated by seasoned journalists, now feature panelists who seem to be chosen for their adherence to a specific narrative rather than their sports knowledge.

Take, for example, Sarah Spain, who gained notoriety for auctioning herself off for charity during the Super Bowl. Despite the charitable intent, the fact that she was the only date auctioned off raised eyebrows, and the event ultimately failed to raise substantial funds. El Duncan, another regular on “Around the Horn,” serves more as a host than an expert, contributing to the dilution of the show’s quality.

It’s unfortunate that ESPN has allowed itself to retain individuals like David Dennis while letting go of seasoned professionals like Zach Lowe, one of the top voices in basketball analysis. ESPN is undergoing layoffs, and many fear that this trend will continue, further diminishing the quality of sports coverage.

While the network is facing financial struggles, it’s clear that their decisions about who to retain and who to cut seem misguided. ESPN seems more focused on clearing the budget to pay big-name personalities like Stephen A. Smith, who is reportedly seeking a salary of $25 to $30 million a year. Although Smith is undoubtedly a well-known figure in sports media, the question remains: is he worth that much?

In conclusion, the situation surrounding the WNBA and its representation in media exemplifies the broader issues of entitlement and accountability in sports. David Dennis Jr. may think he can discourage fans from watching the WNBA, but such remarks only contribute to the league’s ongoing challenges. As fans, we should demand better from the networks that broadcast our sports and hold them accountable for the narratives they promote.

Let me know your thoughts on this topic: Is Stephen A. Smith worth the hefty salary, and what does this mean for the future of sports media? I appreciate your support and encourage you to share your opinions in the comments below.