This Barbie is a WNBA legend

The GIST: Less than two months after hoisting the inaugural Walter Cup, PWHL Minnesota is facing troubling allegations of bullying and verbal abuse amid an offseason already rife with controversy.

• As detailed on the latest episode of The GIST of It, here’s a timeline of the fallout that followed Minnesota’s championship win on May 29th.

June 8th — General manager Natalie Darwitz is fired by the PWHL: Darwitz was dismissed nine days after leading Minnesota to the inaugural title, with the league citing “both internal and external reviews.”

• The ouster was shocking — Darwitz is a living legend in the State of Hockey as a three-time Team USA Olympian and two-time NCAA champ at the University of Minnesota.

• Sources told Minnesota’s Star Tribune that Darwitz’s removal was a result of “clashes” with head coach Ken Klee, who was reportedly backed by veteran players including team captain and PWHL trailblazer Kendall Coyne Schofield.

June 11th — Minnesota’s draft pick sparks controversy: With the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Minnesota selected forward Britta Curl — a controversial choice after Curl previously liked posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) that were anti-trans and anti-LGBTQIA+, as well as others that promoted COVID-19 conspiracy theories.

• Curl’s selection was met with immediate backlash from Minnesota fans, but the decision was defended by Klee. Curl later apologized for her online behavior.

July 10th — Klee dismisses three staff members: A now-former Minnesota staffer spoke under anonymity to The Hockey News, calling Klee’s workplace environment divisive and toxic. Other former staffers stepped forward following that initial report, further alleging Klee used offensive ableist language while speaking to players.

• The PWHL is now investigating these disturbing allegations. No place for this in the sport.

The GIST: The final men’s golf major of the season tees off from the birthplace of the sport tomorrow, with a record $17M purse and the Claret Jug — golf’s most coveted trophy — on the line. Fore!

The links at Royal Troon will test the game’s best: Golf’s oldest major is always extra special because it’s played on ever-tricky links courses. Mostly treeless and built along the coast, the unpredictable and breezy weather conditions pose an additional challenge for the pros, meaning Scotland’s Royal Troon will pair serious drama with the stunning backdrops.

Rory McIlroy looking to end 10-year major drought: After a tragic collapse at last month’s US Open, all eyes will be on the No. 2 golfer in the world to finish the job and finally win his fifth career major. McIlroy’s quest begins tomorrow at 5:09 a.m. ET, alongside American Max Homa and England’s Tyrrell Hatton.

• Other golfers standing in his way include last week’s Scottish Open winner and hometown hero, Robert MacIntyre. The Scot is on a roll, collecting two PGA Tour wins in the last six weeks.

• And you certainly can’t count out 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who’s been a contender at every major this year. Nothing is promised at The Open.

Did you know that women athletes earned only 1% of sponsorship dollars in 2021? Thanks to brands like Canadian Tire, a long-time partner of Team Canada, that tide is turning ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In 2023, Canadian Tire invested 50% of their sponsorship dollars in professional women’s sports in Canada. But they’re not just making a financial commitment — they’re also helping to create a roadmap for other brands to advance gender equity in sports.

• As we gear up for Paris 2024, Canadian Tire is championing gender equity at the Olympic Games, teaming up with athletes Kia Nurse, Skylar Park, Aaliyah Edwards, and Jacqueline Simoneau.

• These Games are a huge opportunity to boost women’s sports, and Canadian Tire is stepping up in a big way to ensure Team Canada takes full advantage. Plus, they’re supporting our coverage of Team Canada at the Olympic Games all summer long. Clutch.

Earlier this month, we had a chance to chat with 2020 Olympic bronze medalist and fan favorite Kristie Mewis. Mewis won’t be heading to Paris as she rehabs a lingering injury, but still has plenty of insight to share, ranging from deets on new USWNT coach Emma Hayes to what she’s streaming on Netflix. Here are a few highlights:

⚽ On what Emma Hayes brings to the USWNT: “Emma is probably exactly what this team needs…I mean, how many titles has she won?” Enough said.

🥇 On the experience of being an Olympian: “There are so many twists and turns and anybody can win on any given day now…Nothing is handed to you…Every single day and every single moment you have to just be on.”

📈 On the growth of women’s sports: “Just from my rookie year to now, it is like a completely different world…And just to even think about what it’s going to look like in the next five, 10 years, I’m just so happy that I’m able to be a part of it.” Just the beginning.

Listen to the full episode with Mewis today and subscribe for even more athlete interviews to come.

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