LSU's Alexis Morris Sparks Controversy: Should WNBA Players Over 35 Retire? 

Thank you for covering this topic. And, although I agree that Twitter (and all social media) can be dangerous when one overshares, IMHO, thanks are due to Alexis Morris for sparking this discussion!! To be sure, she could have worded her comments more diplomatically, but she, nonetheless, said a MOUTHFUL. And because she spoke up, it has been a trending topic in sports media during this week's WNBA season launch. The commissioner has been questioned about it at every turn, even by Malika Andrews on NBA Today. Here's the thing: clearly, the current WNBA teams are not profitable. On the other hand, we are in the midst of a time of almost unprecedented growth in women's college basketball. What sense does it make for the WNBA to shut out most of the young stars driving that growth, and by extension, their followers? I mean, Diana Taurasi is 40 years old. Sue Bird just recently retired at 42. Candace Parker is 36. Speaking of Parker, in the "Steam Room" promo featuring her, along with Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson, Barkley says to Candace, "You're clearly an older player." Parker took issue saying, "What do you mean 'clearly'?" They laughed it off, and I never thought much about that exchange, which I have seen dozens of times...until now. Bottom line: if the number of roster spots remains this low, and the current players continue to play into their 40's, there will be few new players able to break into the league. Seems to me that the WNBA is missing a golden opportunity to increase their viewership...and their fan base.

Check this out, im from New Orleans and an LSU fan and love Lex, but the WNBA doesn't have time to develop players, but the older players still need to make a living. All i would say is sis get your game up cause Zia Cooke went off last nite and she's a rookie so it is what it is.

This year’s Women’s NCAA Tournament got higher ratings than the NBA playoffs. There were so many fans who were waiting to see their favorite players from that tournament in the W. Fans who were ready to buy tickets, buy league pass, buy jerseys, tune in every week. Now their favorite player has been cut and their motivation to keep watching is gone. I can’t blame them for that. They fell in love with a player and they want to keep supporting her. As a new fan of any sport, you don’t fall in love with a league, you fall in love with a player. These players have massive monetary value to the league outside of their playing ability and the WNBA has written them off, and in turn written their fans off. I understand this is the hardest league in the world to play in, but if the W truly wants more fans, more tickets sold, more eyeballs. They need to capitalize on the popularity of some of these rookies. They need to evolve with the world. “Adapt or die.”

I definitely think she could've worded it better, but i agree. look at seimone augustus. she retired, not because she wasn't good enough, but because she was so good. she already accomplished everything, and didn't want to take anything away from the up and coming superstars. i think that was the point alexis was tryna make.

Morris, Beal, Czinano and the like should be playing. They're exiting and have brought attention to Womans Basketball. They're the reason why new people are checking out the WNBA. She's right ✅️ Not wrong at all.

I dont have a problem with any player not retiring. The one thing I will say is that the WNBA is the only league I know that will keep a 34 year old that is a bench player that barely contributes over a rookie that will barely contribute now, but can be developed. That's not on the players, that's on the organizations. I think a big part of that is the fact that 8 of the 12 teams make the playoffs.

This has nothing to do with age. It's about growing the league, and getting new butts in seats! If the vets can grow the league, then do it! I support them 100%. Been a WNBA fan for almost 20 years. However, these recently drafted players are bringing millions of new fans with them which should translate into positive league growth. I've watched every 2023 season opener so far, and 3 teams could use Destanni Henderson or Alexis Morris as a backup point guard right now! 💯. I understand this is a business, but sometimes businesses must adjust in order to remain relevant.

Well with all these cuts ,Something needs to happen. The draft is becoming pointless. They might as well call it tryouts then.

She was speaking from a place of hurt. She expected her life to change and she’s young so she has a lot of maturing to do.

Those 35 year old players paid their dues and she has not. Beat them out.

She is 100% wrong. Rookies still make the roster every year. If you want the older vets gone then beat them in training camp. The rookies are cheaper than the vets, so if you're that good the GMs would gladly drop a vet in favor of a rookie with great upside. Truth is many of the better players in the league are around 30 plus and they help keep the league playing at a high level. This whole thing was disrespectful and she got in feelings but she's burning a lot of bridges in the process. Her size already puts her at a huge disadvantage and possibly being a locker room problem will likely make it harder to get another chance now. I hope she finds peace and continues to grind overseas. She sounds like she needs better people in her corner to stop self sabotaging herself with these posts.

She’s wrong. If fans want the league to grow we have to go to the games. Money = expansion! I went to the LA Sparks vs Phoenix Mercury season opener and the whole 200 and 300 levels were empty. It was BG’s first game back and it was lit but not sold out. We have to support the league as much as we can. If we can afford it we gotta put our money where our mouth is 🤷🏾

I completely agree that it’s a job. The problem the WNBA has is they heavily market the just drafted rookies on social media so they can get the attention of their alma mater’s fans. Then boom, they cut them. That is so counterproductive & the W shoots itself in the foot by doing this. The rookies don’t need to make the team for the sake of making the team. But the W then needs to stop marketing these rookies until they actually make a roster & stop yo-yoing fans like that

Quita, I want to ask you and everyone else to give her a pass on this one. She's heartbroken, we've all said things we regret at times. We human, we all got feeling. I got lots of respect for the vets. They still great and without them . There wouldn't be a WNBA season for rookies to come to. I love my LSU sister with all my heart. She helped get us a championship. But, at the same time. She's wrong!!!!!!!

This is an interesting conversation because I occasionally say the same about certain players. For example, I might have said that Teresa Witherspoon played a year longer than she should have. However, regarding rookies, the one universal thing that most of them say is that they did not realize how much faster and stronger the players in the league are. With that said, many rookies must prepare for the rigors of being in a professional league. Those rookies that are prepared might be on another level of skill.

I don’t think she said anything wrong. What is the purpose of having a draft and cutting a majority of the draftees? How is the wnba the toughest league ever but not paying toughest league price? I hope her conversation sparks some change in the league. People are going to stop trying out for the w soon? There’s too many issues with it.

I agree, diana taurasi is pushing 50 taking up a roster spot that can be used for someone else.

Love lex but she should be looking at players like kaleyha copper who was on the bench for 3 4 years grinded took her chance of the bench and became an all-star to an mvp to a champ.

This sounds like a great opportunity for a new competing league to enter the market: WABA (Women's American Basketball Association)

The WNBA is not like any other job. Athletics is entertainment. If the old players don't draw crowds, it doesn't matter how good they are, they need to go. It's like keeping people in the office who fight technology and progress, they are usually older and get pushed out. No one wants to address that this league's marketing is trash, and not drawing on the buzz of rookies is pretty stupid. Even in the nba, players age and then go over seas if they wanna keep hooping. The WNBA and legacy fans are content with the league wallowing in its stale state.

The WNBA don’t need a draft! It’s a show that’s giving these women false hope! People coming to the league following these younger players and they all getting cut! Morris didn’t tell a lie, just comes off bitter.

I’m a LSU fan and Alexis Morris was great for the Tigers.. Alexis just needs to up her game and come back stronger.. GEAUX TIGERS!!!..🐅💜💛🏆💍

WNBA needs more teams and needs to figure out a way to keep more rookies.

Nawl lol Lex a smaller guard and honestly it’s hard for smaller guards to sustain longevity in the W sometimes. She should watch film on Cappie Pondexter, Becky Hammond, Courtney Vandersloot, just gotta get your game up hunny bottom line and don’t worry bout older players that’s not cool

Social media is helping the new generation of college players get noticed! From a business standpoint, this generation would bring more attention and interest to the WNBA! Talent aside! It’s a tough situation for all, but the league needs new way to get butts in the seats!

DeWanna Bonner laughs at all of you new so-called WNBA fans. Tell the rookies to take HER spot. Bet they can't. Alexis couldn't.

So basically you’re getting drafted just to TRY OUT for the team. Smh, it’s so sad bc a lot of these young women be so happy to get drafted and have their hopes up just to be cut a few weeks later. That REALLY sucks for 1st rounders, imagine being the 3rd or 4th pick and waived

Multiple things can be true and are at play… (long post alert) 1- You aren’t entitled to ANYTHING 2- She’s talking about how she wasn’t developed. And programs need to develop youth more (even with having former players as mental wellness coaches and consultants to talk to them)… 3- Bc of biology, many women in sports don’t have a peek…it is more like a plateau. Women can stay professional athletes a lot longer than men, because they don’t have the physicality that men have. So it’s less wear and tear on their bodies. This creates an issue when you have an elite and small league like the W. sure, more teams should happen and the salary cap and team size should be expanded… But nothing is guaranteed and this seems like the frustrated rantings of someone who is entitled. 4- this exposes how the BUSINESS aspect of the W can easily pit the players against one another while owners expand the lead as they try to creat a product that makes $ 5- character eats competence for breakfast… tough situations expose what ppl are made of. We often meet ppl who got fired bc of their personality and NOT their potential or ability. In this case, the latter exposed the former. 6- this isn’t just a W issue. This happens across sports. Remember how great Tim Tebow was in college? But he came the the nfl and couldn’t adjust. 7- keep making great videos like this.

I agree with lex.. yeah the wnba is a job but it isn’t a ‘regular’ job. It’s a job where you have to travel a lot n stay fit damn near all yr round n we all know your body changes with age. Plus, the reason why most people don’t watch the wnba anymore is because nobody wants to see the same players literally alllll the time. Atleast with other sports you have new players coming in n playing often. N I feel like by bringing in new players it could be a first step into expanding the wnba.

She's young, emotional and disappointed. She has a point, if its availability, not the vets. Vets have put in the work and most deserve to be there. WNBA talk of expansion (2 teams in 3 yrs) Maybe try 4 in 3 yrs.

Maybe food for thought for high-schoolers as they make a decision to gravitate to a program who can better prepare you for the next levels if that’s what you’re aspiring to? Mulkey and LSU isn’t exactly that proper path.

The same comments can be said about players in the NBA NFL MLB and NHL .. Some of these men stay past their prime . But at the same time you have to make the roster . However it’s time for the NBA to expand. There is some truth to what she is saying in all professional sports. I don’t want to watch the aging QB or NBA star .

Labron James is 38 year old and still a top five player in the league. Here is the double standard, no man would tell him to hang it up.

The League needs to expand

Thanks for all your videos also 😊

I believe that the WNBA should stop having drafts every year or put a limit on the amount of seasons someone could play. I know they’re talking expansion but it isn’t happening soon enough and these ladies deserve better.

This is off the topic...but wnba needs to hire some of the NIL players moms/ agents to get deals for wnba to become popular..... The marketing and difficultu to watch WNBA is sad.. Im sure more than average ratings for last nights spark versus mercury game was great...because of BG...But why wasnt it sold out??? It should of been..imo

Not enough time giving between competing championship and draft / training camp Here is a solution for this unique problem . 1.WNBA thru players Union agree to increase roster size to 14 players 2. All college draftees receive a 1 year /1 season adjustment period from college to wnba . A.Wnba Expenses for transition period will include : housing , transportation, meals , medical expenses,in-season salary for rookie. B. The college program is responsible for setting up a draftee gofundme account to cover all the expenses incurred from May 10 ( draft date) to Oct 30. (Completion of season ) listed above .Fans of player cover expenses for draftee doing the 1st year transition period of their favorite college player. C.This blueprint is to give college athletes a opportunity to properly adjust from the collegiate ranks to professional basketball in the Wnba due to its unusual conditions that prohibit incoming draftee time to adjust to learning the systems of the wnba . D. If a WBA team use a draft pick on a player it is required to allow an adjustment period with the team but not required to play any draftee, playing time is the sole discretion of the coach(s). After completing the adjustment period (1 st year) all said benefits are withdraw unless the player earn an additional year by traditional means . This cover expenses and allow a draftee appropriate time to adjust . Most players have enough support from student body ,fans and deep pocket alumni to cover the 1st year easily. Here it is Quita this is a solution 😂😂😂😂 , the fans get their player , the draftee gets a real chance , and the WNBA is not footing the bill.

Great content!

The WNBA is a business and they need to change their style to current Amercian style basketball if they want to fill seats. Yes the vets are great and still can hoop, but the "W" need more spots available for the youth with the personality and fan following. These young ladies coming out of college are ballers and their playing reflects how American basketball is played today. The NIL potential these athletes have while in school will force the W's hand at some point. The question is do owners/players want to get paid or just hoop? If you want to hoop go to 24 hr fitness or overseas. However, owners need to retire the older ladies if they want to actually build a professional women's league in the U.S.A.

I disagree with her, though I obviously know why she said it. I think if you are still playing at a high level, you shouldn't be cut once you reach a certain age. The Wnba should expand and look at possibly having a 14 team roster.

Alexis Morris is a young talented few 1woman, and her frustration is understandable. I knew nothing about her until the finals between LSU and IOWA. I watched the draft and was very happy for her when Connecticut drafted her. I feel extremely bad today because she was waived. As you said, Miss Morris may consider playing overseas or decide to do something else. Aa for her being nervous from College Badket Ball to the Pros, who would not?Nervousness is almost palpable from one level to the next.

I think she was speaking more so from the team and league perspective … I’m sure it’s a financial reason but the more vets you have the less spots you have is not good … it forces teams ultimately to pick vets over rookies which ultimately doesn’t help when your trying to bring in a new market of fans who are starting to follow “college hoops” … so it does make you think like last year I believe why let sue bird play that last year when it could have been a rookie … idk it’s all business like you said in the end tho

She has some validity in some of her claims, HOWEVER, some of these girls need to start watching the WNBA. Because clearly they had no clue how big of a gap there is between the W and college. Once again I’m really surprised that none of these girls watch the WNBA, they just follow the star players on IG and that’s it. The speed is 10x faster, players are stronger. It’s not like the NBA where some of the best college players can get by their first few years because they’ve been athletically NBA ready since HS. These young ladies need to start watching the league.

just watched Diana taurasi go 4-15 1-9 from 3 and she's been doing this for a couple years now. lex's delivery coulda been better though

30 is not old . I ruptured my Achilles completely , I’m 28 and I still feel and look young although the progress of getting back to playing is slow for everyone who experiences the injury and trying to return to sport . I can absolutely notice a difference in others Achilles rupture journey who might be 35+ who share their journey on RU-vid and see that I have progressed at a different rate (is it age ?) . It’s all about lifestyle and external environment. I look forward to 30 . The talent is there and size doesn’t necessarily matter however she is undersized and her brain hasn’t developed completely (because I mean I thought 30 was old at that age) so those are the facts . In the end GOD has the finally say .

First of all I want to say I love your channel and thank you for covering women's sports like nobody else...secondly I'm an LSU fan so of course I was upset Alexis was cut,but the fact is,a team picks the best players that give them their best chance of winning,period. You just have to beat the other players out. Thirdly, the WNBA needs to expand,like yesterday...a 16 team league with two conferences,4 divisions and an 8 team playoff would be perfect

Hmm because of the NEW interest in WBB why should Candice Parker leave the game orDiana Taurasi or players like that? There is no such thing as social promotion in professional sports i dont think. Now scouting the league for the new incoming could help but GAME is what you got to have...Ask my fav Zia Cooke..

This is a League issue, not a player issue. You get new blood to get new fans. - If the fans liked the old players then they would show up to the games, more than 5 fans a game. The D-League is filled with good players, but the NBA is filled with marketable players.

She rite tho. How the WNBA expect to get new fans if they holding on to all the veterans

If their active no , but just taking up bench play then give newbies a chance of their lifetime, it’s an opportunity many young ladies want 💜💛💜💛💜💛 LSU forever We are the champions of 2022/23 👊

I'm not up on the WNBA but when is there Draft? The reason I'm saying is Alexis Season was Longer than some that didn't make it in the College League Playoffs. ijs

What needs to take place is a players development program to get adapted to the WNBA. I think Alexis Morris would’ve been great for WNBA because her coming off of that win. People would be more interested in watching her play. I know I would. As of this moment, I don’t know the names of any WNBA players.

Isn’t this how the work force works in general?

Btw, I love that you are doing media on the WNBA. To grow the sport more women need to promote it. 👍🏾

I agree with her in the older players. Some of them need to move out the way seriously and make room for better rising stars. Now when it comes to her wishing colleges prepare you more for the wnba, one you have to help yourself and get additional training and practice. Two, Mulkey doesn’t train wnba all stars, Staley does 🤷🏾‍♀️. She got lucky with BG

The WNBA should not even have a draft because some of the people won’t even be on the team. They need a WNBA tryout and not a draft. The WNBA is a job like you said, so they are not giving up that money without a fight.

Poor Alexis...please help her😢

I’m not going to lie she said what needed to be said! These college players are coming out of college with endorsements rapping all type of things! The wnba has to get ready for the new ladies and unfortunately they are being the eyes and the fans to the game. You have Katyln coming you have angel coming a pleather of women that came change this game and make it better! The wnba has to start making room because Zachary to say what started to happen when these women say they don’t want to play in the wnba because of things like this! This generation will bet on themselves and create opportunity outside the wnba. Give these new girls a chance did you see the way Zia was playing her first game with excitement and fun people was tuned in to that… change definitely needs to start

She is definitely wrong. What does the age gotta do with her being on the team?

She ain’t lying

WNBA needs to expand more ! Why my City doesn’t a Team? I’m from Boston,Massachusetts we have the Celtics in The NBA

I like sports cause it’s about performance and results,, if vets getting da W’s the youngins gotta come wit da heat.U can’t talk your way to a championship like you can with most other things in life.especially pro sports.

If Alexis Morris is not good enough to take a spot from a vet, they should be cut to make room for her? That's on HER if she can't make the cut. Its a coach's job to pick their team. Its not the players fault, nor is it the coach's duty to make room for her. Its also not the College coach's job to prepare her for the next level. She herself said they have to watch film because the game is different. So what prevented her from doing that? Its all excuses at this point. She is blaming this on everyone and not taking any responsibility for her own game and failure to make the cut.

So her first video, sounds like she took a shot at her college coach and her coach coaching style. Smh. I thought that girl had 1 more year of eligibility. I hope she got her degree, because who told her to leave college.

First round draft selections ARE NOT ASKED TO TRYOUT for any professional league, well, except for the WNBA! Makes it sound like a scam. The WNBA should not advertise it as such. The WNBA should simply have open tryouts. What's the point of a draft. See the South Carolina players "cut."

She's right!!!!

It needs to be a new women's basketball league like XFL.

I think that's a hell of a comment for a young player who is still trying to prove herself as a pro... but if anyone has a right to demand or suggest something like this it would be the NBA who pays to keep yall open...

The ageism of many of these posts are incredible. Get the older players out so newer players can play? Expand the league so more people can play? Seriously? 10 -12 million dollars lost each season? There is one thing that can absolutely make these things and many other things come true and make the WNBA successful. Listen closely. Every woman that posts, complains, advocates, prays, begs, writes, sues, pleads, gets on TV and compares men to women, etc. , should .... commit to go AND pay to see 2 WNBA games each year for three years. Watch all of your desires come true. Expansion, more money for players, and more respect. Don't just talk about it. YOU ALL SHOULD JUST GO TO THE GAMES!! I believe it is really that easy. But i guess it is easier to continue to blame others.

I think the real issue is that these people going into the WNBA, that is all that they have. They are not preparing these people for careers outside of the WNBA, I don’t think someone who went to the WNBA at 20 should still be playing at 30. 10 years is a long time. They can retire and do something else. The problem is the WNBA is all they have. They are not getting paid enough to retire off of the sport anyway, but they should have something else in place. Alexis is right. Younger players are needed. It can’t just be veterans that have been playing for over a decade in the WNBA taking up space. If they have been playing for 10 years they should be better than someone just coming in. Duh!!!😂😂😂

Sometimes you have to be accountable and just play better. The WNBA is trying to put out the best product. If you want a job you have make yourself better and be the best candidate for the job. If you don’t get it but want it bad enough you will look at yourself and figure out what you need to do to make yourself better.

Well Zia Cooke and Boston seems prepared. We love college Alexis but she was avg at college like Desteni Henderson...go overseas.

If a male player said this about the NBA it would be an uproar from the Woke community, age shaming, etc. She wasn’t drafted until the 2nd round🤷🏾‍♂️

She is crazy to think someone should give up their job for her. The W only has 10 teams. As a result a lot draft picks will be cut. The only solution is to create more teams. The W is financially struggling as a result is hard teams. As a result 2nd and 3rd round picks will have a hard time making teams

She expressed her feelings in the wrong directions , What she should have said was let's all sign a petition On expanding teams in the wnba. We need more teams at least 4 to 6...

She’s wrong-clearly has the idea that winning a college title entitles her to something at the next level. Sorry, but it doesn’t. She has absolutely no valid grievance with the vets-she got cut because she wasn’t good enough. If she’d been a better player than somebody who made the team (rookie or vet) she’d be playing. Pure and simple. However, the WNBA’s real problem is just not enough roster spots-there are too many talented players coming out of college and not enough opportunities in the W. They need either significant expansion of the WNBA, or a developmental league where these athletes can get experience and improve. That’s the problem, not the vets.

After the 35 year olds retire, she needed to go back at the NBA players to share their paychecks

Get rid of Wheeler and play Grace Berger ffs

No one should make anybody retire if they don't want to. However the WNBA should offer other role for these older female basketball players within the league.

I think she was angry from getting cut and spoke from the angry spot

Were the other players better than her? I doubt they were cut her if she was better than the other players, I doubt they would cut her. 🤷🏾‍♂️

She just got out played and out hustled. She should've stayed in school and came out when she was more ready...She was not ready

The only veteran player who needs to retire is Diana Taurasi. 😂I am sorry she plays so dirty to point, it looks like she going injure one of players.

Yes! 35 is tool old.

They need more wnba teams we want to see new faces give others opportunities tho if u 30 plus bruh u did all ya shit let the others have they time especially if the league small n they worked hard they out they high school n college the college league had more views n etc this year then the wnba fans n all was waiting to see new players in the league

If you can not beat out a women that is in their 30s and your in your 20s. Then you should not be a pro. Smh. All vets will forever come at her head. Smh. She better hope she can get a spot over seas. Her attitude never seemed not the best.

Make the vets hang it up by outplaying them. You are not entitled to anything

Don’t have a wnba draft got family n friends thinking u made it to the wnba just to get cut a week after especially if they knew they knew who they already wanted she can speak out hell everybody else do they speak they opinions n how they feel 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

At this point the wnba is gonna really do it to themselves. Ppl already don't watch then you go and cut prime talent that ppl are eager to see.

You mentioned Taurasi. Sadly, she is going the Michael Jordan route and staying well beyond her peak. Like Jordan in his last years with Washington, she can still play. She is not the Tarausi of ten years ago, and that is expected. But can she really make Phoenix better? The answer is no. Being competitive and Fiesta will not beat Father Time. I really wish her other half, Penny Taylor, would tell her there are other sides to basketball than playing. Every athlete needs to leave their sport once they see a level of decline that diminishes their legacy compared to their heyday.

Love your content ,Wnba should be reported by a female reporter..

I meant to say it’s time for the WNBA to expand.

She right!!im tired of see the same people women I didn’t won’t to to see 10 years ago!!women’s college is better the the wnba!! we’re tired of seeing Diana Taurasi and the rest of them to be real.they didn’t move the game forward,plus they are boring

Wnba on a different level how they be ballin they go super hard

Diana Taurasi will turn 41 this season. And she would dog walk Alexis Morris up and down the court any day of the week. She's not ready yet.

The WNBA should limit he draft to one round. There is no need to invite young women to sit in the green room and promote them on the RU-vid channel, if they get cut after a month. This year almost half of the second round players got cut.

I agree with Alexis Morris. I think the age thing should be considered until they are able to get more teams. In my opinion its the only viable option right now. It is horrible that these teams are using the buzz around these younger girls to get more attention and then dump them. These teams know what they are going to do with those girls before they even draft them. In addition I think their turn over time is ridiculous. They get only a couple weeks(if that) to learn a new system and adjust. Even a cashier position gives you 90 days probation. There is no advantage for younger players to consider going to the WNBA. There are no spots and less money. The younger generations are different. They are not going to sit around waiting patiently while the WNBA figures its stuff out. You already see college players saying they are not interested in the WNBA. There needs to be some new blood in the game to keep people interested and excited. I honestly think the WNBA is choosing to be bad at this point lol. A new wave and culture is coming and I think unfortunately some of the older players (not all) are not going to be able to keep up with shift that is happening.

🤔

Tell me one Coach or College that thinks the WNBA is better than their program? It is not the job of the school to teach you about the WNBA, they are there to teach you about business, art, teaching, nursing, and LOGIC. If she wanted to adapt to a new program HIRE a TRAINER!