Out with the old: Women’s soccer labor updates & NFL Combine controversy
Happy Tuesday!
Content warning: This episode contains mention of sexual misconduct.
Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are talking fútbol and football on today’s episode of The GIST of It. The gals start off with some international women’s soccer news: Three French women’s national team players announced last week that they will not play internationally until changes are made within the federation, and now those desired changes could be imminent. It’s all part of a broader trend of female footballers fighting for their worth — more power to ’em.
Then after the break, El and Steph kick it over to the gridiron because today marks the start of the NFL Combine. The marquee event tasks prospects with a series of physical and mental challenges to assess their readiness to play in the league, but is plagued by some systemically problematic issues.
Back to school: The legal battle that could restructure the NCAA
Class is in session!
On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are heading back to school to chat about a major legal battle involving the NCAA. A federal court heard arguments yesterday in the case of Johnson vs. NCAA, which argues that former collegiate athletes should have been paid an hourly wage, similar to other student workers.
College sports fan or not, this debate could impact the sports landscape for years to come, and the gals have you covered with every angle of this nuanced, complicated story. Grab that backpack and sharpen those pencils.
WTF conversation hearts: CanWNT equal pay feud & New Mexico State hoops hazing
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Content warning: This episode mentions hazing and sexual assault.
And happy belated Galentine’s Day. Unfortunately, this episode of The GIST of It is short on love as co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dive into two WTF stories claiming headlines.
First up, the CanWNT’s ongoing labor dispute. The squad went on strike over the weekend, just days before the all-important SheBelieves Cup is set to kick off. El and Steph chat through the inequities that led to this moment, and what’s at stake as the red and white take the pitch in protest later this week.
Then the gals head to the NCAA to discuss a stunning story out of New Mexico State. The men’s basketball program suspended operations on Saturday amid rampant hazing and sexual abuse allegations. This one is all kinds of messed up.
