Soccer hair-pulling fuels debate over sport sexism

The Associated Press
David Crary
November 22, 2009

University of New Mexico soccer player Elizabeth Lambert was suspended after yanking an opponent to the ground by her ponytail during a recent game. While most people agree that Lambert's action constituted extremely poor sportsmanship, many of the reactions to Lambert have been sexist in nature. As Laura Pappano wrote on a recent blog post, "the image of female athletes as more than skilled players — as good, wholesome people — is a centerpiece of women's sports and a staple of marketing, promotion, and ticket-selling. This has been both a benefit and a limitation that has helped shape women's sports as 'gentler' fare...We forgive Michael Vick, and gasp when Serena Williams screams at a line judge's late call at the U.S. Open." Read article.