Feminist Looking Glass

Christine Brennan has been covering sports for 28 years.  I first followed her when she covered the Washington Redskins for the Washington Post.  She now writes for USA Today and, since I don’t read that paper often, I haven’t read much from, or about, her in years.  Nevertheless, I have always had a high opinion of her.  My co-blogger, Emily, has also had a high opinion of Brennan after hearing her speak at a function a few years ago.

Christine Brennan

However, I was very disappointed to read a few weeks ago that Brennan had said some things during an interview that came very close to suggesting that ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was partially responsible for a man taking a video of her naked through a hotel room peep hole.  (See also my post.)  Brennan essentially said that Andrews “asked for it” because, according to the story, she “once wore a too-short skirt into a men’s locker room and touched one of her interviewees once.”  Specifically, Brennan said: “She doesn’t deserve what happened to her, but part of the shtick seems to me is being a little bit out there in a way that, then, are you encouraging the complete nutcase to drill a hole in your room?”

Well, let’s hope Brennan can get by that blot on her otherwise fine record.  Today, Real Clear Sports has a very good interview with Brennan.  She gives thoughtful answers to questions about the economic differences of women’s versus men’s sports (in particular the economic problems of the LPGA), about how sports publications can attract more women readers, about Title IX, and about the different standards for women versus men broadcast journalists.  She also attempts to explain her statements about Erin Andrews.

It’s a good read.