Perfect example of the anti-America fever which has consumed the American Left.
14
How is this Anti - American??
13
@Dr. John
The left loves anyone who insults the president. It's a shame her real talents are being obscured by this.
1
How well attended was this? I don't know anybody who watched this boring stuff?
12
Not nearly as many attended Trump’s inaugural.
6
The crowd looks bigger than the crowd at Trump’s inauguration. Happier, too. Great to see so many people enjoying it! Something worth celebrating.
29
@MIKEinNYC
Missed it entirely. Very happy for the team. Not interested in their politics. Ms. Rapinoe is in damage control mode. Of her own making. Welcome to the national spotlight. She is finding out that there is more to being on the US team than one's personal ideology.
4
Megan Rapinoe said on CNN last night that she had talked to her teammates and no one wanted to go to the White House. I think there are at least two players who would be willing to go but would never cross her. She is very powerful and it might reflect negatively on their future soccer careers if they did attend. It is so unfortunate that one person can have so much power over a whole team. I feel so sorry for those players who do not agree with Ms. Rapinoe but must grin and bear her rule for all. This is not what democracy is all about but she does not care. It is all about her and only her.
10
@KMW
Two out of twenty-two? Hmm, not a lot, wouldn't you say. And those are maybe's. Sounds like the team is pretty much in agreement on a White House visit.
19
@KMW
You understand Rapinoe’s teammates better than she does ?
34
@KMW
You have the skinny on the team's inner dynamics?
25
All the best to the best.
Forget the WH and Trump...go to Congress instead and make your case.
1
These are sports stars not our moral betters. If they had just won and not made this into political spectacle there would be no backlash and those who are now """against""" them would be celebrating their victory with them. It is Rapinoe who chose to alienate half of America not the other way around. Shut up and kick the ball.
23
I agree she is the real thing.
8
Always liked Rapinoe a lot but she's kind of highjacked the whole thing for herself and her teammates have been obscured in the background. She had a great WC but it takes 11 not 1. Then she had to drop the Fbomb. Pretty classless but I'm sure she was caught up in the moment. But still, Really?
2
The television ratings for the 2019 World Cup final between the US and the Netherlands was 14.3 million viewers. The televisions ratings for the 2015 world cup final between the US and Japan was 25.4 million viewers. The 2019 viewership was more than 10 million viewers less than 2015. That is considerably less and it was televised on a Sunday.
This should be of concern for the soccer federation and they should be asking themselves why? If this drop in ratings viewership continues this is a real problem for the US. They need to determine the reasons and causes for this steep decline. There could be a number of reasons but my guess that one is the heavy dose of political discourse that was brought into the games. People want to enjoy soccer and not be preached to about political matters. They get enough political dialogue on a daily basis from the media. People want to have fun and relax. How can they when there are so many political messages talked about by some of the team players. They have turned off many viewers and if they continue down this path it will only get worse.
I will not watch women's soccer again if they continue bringing politics into the mix. They will lose others also if this does not stop. I want to enjoy the sport but how can one when players viewpoints are out there front and center. The women need to play the game as was intended and leave the political discussion off the field. Nobody cares what they think anyway.
4
The way Ms. Rapinoe has systematically catapulted herself in the limelight in front of her team mates is painfully obvious and despicable. Watch any celebration photo or video and there she is in front of everyone. She and only gives most interviews, she and only she is the self proclaimed speaker of the team. How incredibly hypocritical pretentious and vain. Such a shame for the just aspirations of women‘s soccer and how very damaging for the just LGBT cause.
9
@Paul Eckert
She has personally driven away so many males fans forever. The future of any professional women’s soccer is bleak. There are not enough women who will spend money on sports.
3
@Paul Eckert You seem to neglect the fact that she is a team captain ("self-proclaimed" NOT). She is engaged by the media accordingly. Sure, you see her as much as, or more than, any of the other captains (Morgan and Lloyd), quite possibly because of what she has to say or how she says it -- a basic journalistic tenet, that.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way, man. A smidgeon of jealousy here?
9
No confident male would be driven away by this highly intelligent and extraordinarily capable professional sports team captain.
13
She is also on video stomping on the American flag.
7
As a youth football and lacrosse for many seasons, I've told the parents on day one that if your kid makes a celebratory display after scoring a 9th goal against an inferior team, they will sit the bench for the remainder of the game.
7
So this is about the sport of soccer? It strikes me that Rapinoe is much more like Trump than not like Trump....basically a self promotion artist. Too bad it was perverted and not about being the world champions of their sport would have been more fun, remember fun?
8
“Love more. Hate less.” Sounds like something to put on our money, bumper stickers, and every political campaign platform.
10
If Megan Rapinoe stole the show, arrest her and make her give it back. Oh well, she'll be off stage soon anyway as the half life of enthusiasm for women's soccer is about a day.
Yes, we beat the stuffing out of Thailand. Bravo. That's all you need to know about the level of competition in the Women's world cup. No other country cares much about women's soccer.
And our women's team has lost to boys (14 and 17 year old teams).
The sport is not competitive skill wise with the men's game. It's not just size and strength. And by the way, a lot of great men's players aren't that much bigger than women.
There is simply no market for women's professional soccer here or globally.
No one in the commentariat would be celebrating these women if it weren't for the fact they have liberal views and Rapinoe got into a spat with Trump. If they were Christian fundamentalists who were anti abortion, pro Trump yada yada -- who among the Time's readership would cheer them on.
Yes equal pay. If the women can make the men's team --- pay them what the men get. Is that too harsh?
Why do women tennis players get the same pay at Wimby and US Open but they only have to play three sets? I don't understand that. That's really not equal work.
I'm all for the women doing a better job of negotiating next time around. But there wouldn't be much money in soccer for them if not for the US women's team. There is however, a huge market for male players in pro soccer.
3
This speech is a great example of how a truly accomplished and confident person behaves. The speech is not so much about the winner's accomplishments as it is a plea for all of our better natures.
The contrasts between Megan Rapinoe and the current occupant of the White House could not be starker.
13
The team is great, Megan is inspiring. But the equal pay discussion is not as simple as they would have everyone believe. A lot of people are responding to a slogan without really understanding how complicated and how nuanced the situation actually is. Equal isn't necessarily fair. Sometimes fair means more, sometime it means less. Hopefully US Soccer and the USWNT players will find the fair resolution.
2
Remember back when the salaries of athletes depended on revenue - not gender?
9
What consistently strikes me about most American teams is that they do not know how to win graciously. Is this a national characteristic? This women’s team was no different. Humility obviously not a necessity then for winning well in the US.
11
I'm glad the team won and they should receive equal pay. That's where her efforts should be...not politics. She said "love more...hate less. And listen...". She talked about tolerance. Then she told CNN she would not go to the WH because she didn't want Trump to piggyback on their platform! Well...so much for listening more...and loving more...blah blah blah. She's had her 15 min of fame, now she needs to get equal pay for her team and step out of the spotlight. Let's see if she believes in ...more humility.
16
@J. G. Smith
Why should they receive equal pay?
Does women soccer bring in the same revenue as men’s soccer? LPGA? WNBA?
3
@Dr. John
That is exactly the point. Pay is determined by revenue. Where does the equal pay come from? Men's soccer? U.S. taxpayers? Ticket sales? Endorsements? Do we all donate?
When I played sports, wrestling and baseball, it was about the sport and winning for the team not about personal gain. How things have changed!!!
1
Love more hate less. Just another celebrity that does not practice what they preach.
21
Seriously? All you do is hate and gloat! Show some humility and you may reach a larger audience.
21
Why do these young ladies deserve pay equal to men who draw much larger audiences for soccer?
Why do LPGA player vie for purses much smaller than men on the PGA?
Why do WNBA women make much less than NBA players.
Why do men golfers on the Senior tour make less than PGA players?
17
@Dr. John In World Cup play the women get larger audiences. Men brought in about 48 million and the women 50+ million. Most sports the men's teams bring in more revenue. Not so in soccer.
29
@Linda
This is incorrect. Maybe US tv audience but FIFA World Cup had an audience of 3.5 billion and an average of 191 million. you can also compare ticket sales and women didn’t bring in more.
9
@Not convinced - I think we can agree that the US women’s team had more viewers than the US Men’s team which wasn’t even in the tournament
3
No tanks. Sunshine. And no speaking from behind a bullet-proof barrier that looked like a windshield without windshield wipers.
18
I love the earned swagger of these amazing ladies. Such strong, vibrant women using their power for good. They do our country proud at a time when our "leader" brings only shame.
32
@BNgal
...and they still will earn chump change because they do not draw like men. It ain't gonna change, it is just another groveling redistribution of money/income to 2nd place polling for advertisers.
Maybe forgive their students loans..
Oh, yes the measure of success in a capitalistic country is the gold, the gelt, the moola just what Trump has!
1
I hate to be the skunk at the garden party, when a group of tremendous, strong women captured athletic glory. By refusing to appear at the White House, they are in effect saying that their triumph is only for people who agree with them, not for the whole country. Sad.
15
@Alex - I am confused. Wasn't today's party for the entire country? Many other sports figures (male) have also refused to go!
22
Alex, the problem is that Trump politicizes everything, and of course always does so in his favor and to bring glory to himself. From what I’ve seen, he is incapable of selflessly celebrating anyone without also celebrating himself. I do not blame Rapinoe or the rest of the team for not wanting to be a part of that. It’s not about whether or not you agree with him. It’s about whether or not you want to participate in his demagoguery. He has made it so that there is no other choice. That is what is sad.
27
@Alex
They don’t want him to piggyback on their platform. Can you even imagine him listening to them? I think they set a great example for young girls- you don’t have to humor misogynists. Don’t be a victim. Our country is bigger than the presidency. They want to go to Congress !! They are just picking a different branch of government. Good for them.
29
Observation: the comments referring to the players as “girls” or “ladies” are mostly made by people with male names.
The people with female names usually refer to the players as “women.”
27
Megan Rapinoe referred to her teammates multiple times as 'girls.' But should we, especially unwoke white guys like me?
I want to show my respect.
Agreed, they are not truly girls. Yet informally when I'm with my male friends we are 'guys' or 'boys.' But I see that given the long history of disrespect by men, I should use 'women.'
And maybe it would help to realize that some people, even white guys in ties comparing missile size, do have high regard for women who achieve and excel?
1
Great player. Right on about women's comp. Just an ordinary Trump hater. A little worried about her basic patriotism, without which she is less than nothing.
4
Surely you are not suggesting that hating the president is unpatriotic? Speaking out against our leaders is a freedom we fought for and a quintessential example of patriotism. So many countries don’t have such freedoms. Speaking out could get their citizens killed. Don’t take such freedoms for granted.
4
@Percy41 Patriotism is the refuge of scoundrels.
4
Two thoughts.
1. What is ticker tape?
2. More this. Less everything else.
4
Sadly, Jaelene Hinkle, who most regard at the best US player at left fullback and a person of color was not invited for the USNWT apparently because of her political views. Jaelene is devout Christian who does not support gay rights.
Since the team is more focused on its political agenda than in getting the best players, it does not represent the US and should not be supported.
18
@Amy
Indeed, the team does not support diversity but only political correctness. Sad.
10
@Amy
If a team can win with heart and not be tempted by winning with the aid of a bigot's talent, then good for them.
Thanks for pointing out why we have laws to protect US citizens regardless of other people's self-chosen intolerant belief systems, and sports organizations are obligated to follow the law.
10
@Amy
Great book - Under the Lights and Out of the Dark - is all about women’s soccer in the US and abroad and the struggles women face. In it you will read that many lesbian soccer players face much greater discrimination. Not sure who your player is.... but there are many fantastic players- that bench was so deep!!! And it is how they play together that counts. As a former college and player and coach into my 40s, team dynamic matters.
15
Got to hand it to them. They came, they conquered, and delivered on their message. This is a special team in so many ways. Congratulations!
24
President Rapinoe.
Imagine.
The thought came to me while watching Rachel Maddow interview her last night.
Whether she'd be good at Presidenting is less the point than how we might feel about ourselves, led by someone with such heart and grace.
16
Let us all pay attention to the peaceful things that unite us, and by us, I mean all of humanity.
9
Don't sue for equal pay, sue for divorce. Stop playing those guys' game, play your own. In my opinion, the women' team owns American soccer. Period.
10
Like many self-absorbed Americans, she made it all about herself. Her unhappiness with the president had to be everyone's. Well, no, it didn't.
16
@AACNY
If this is your idea of *unhappy*, then happy must be something else- let's open a can of it for everyone.
Trump the Grump is who is not a happy human- it has nothing to do with women's soccer, Democrats, Mexico, his terrible hair, his sloppy self-regard. He is just simply a stunted individual who never grew his soul and now wipes his nasty attitude on anyone and anything with an ounce of self-respect or joy.
Frankly, it is refreshing to have an event, even a sports event sideline him. I wish it happened every day til he is vamoosed.
19
She was asked if she would visit the White House. She answered.
17
@Jay Near
She is certainly entitled to not go, and everyone else is entitled to evaluate her behavior. She had a national stage, let her personal emotions dictate her behavior and will now be evaluated by the nation. Simply put, not everyone considers her a heroine.
3
Why shouldn’t LPGA women golfers receive the same prize money as men PGA players?
4
Enjoy your 15 minutes. A year from now very few people will remember your name. Not a judgement, just the way it works.
10
Actually, that is not how it works. People remember the greats and this team is the greatest.
26
Yeah? How many know who Steve Pearce or Julian Edelman are without looking them up?
1
It’s Megan Rapinoe’s world, and we’re just living in it.
6
Go girls!!!! Equal pay is the least they deserve.
9
How many times do we have to correct you. They are not girls they are women.
1
Bravo ladies! okay now; they need to get theirs; where's the money? all of it!
5
Megan Rapinoe is the real Captain America. This team united the country in a time where we’ve forgotten what that feels like. I’d say that’s worth a raise. #showthemthemoney
22
"Love more, hate less!" I have spoken.
4
In the process of standing up for her beliefs, did anyone notice that Rapinoe has pushed Trump out of the spotlight?
She must be on the right track. I hope the country is paying attention.
40
The women’s soccer team is represented by a labour union. That labour union in turn is represented by labour attorneys. The pay packets & fringe benefits they receive are subject to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated and signed by both employers and the union. Hire better labour attorneys, elect better union executives, withhold labour. That’s how you get better wages.
13
This is very simplistic. Here in the US a culture of valuing women less has prevailed since before the country began. It is embedded in the unions, the lawyers, the people. The way to change is to speak out - LOUDLY - particularly when you have a very visible platform to do so. It is how women have gained every right from driving, to voting, to controlling their own bodies.
24
I’m so happy that my gay daughter is growing up in a world where Ms. Rapinoe exists. Thank you for being unapologetically yourself.
50
Awesome! had so much fun watching this on tv today. A welcome break from the daily misery of the Trump administration. Thanks, Team USA!
27
I love this team of women. I love their talent, joy and sense of humor. Let them enjoy their success. I certainly did.
33
During the quarterfinals, win or lose the championship, Trump invited Rapinoe and the team to the White House after the playoffs. This was an undeniably inclusive gesture by Trump – Trump went out of his way to include Rapinoe and the team in a White House event even if they lost the championship. Rapinoe, however, responded by refusing to participate in this inclusive event. Instead, she excluded herself from it and blamed Trump for what she alleged was his message of exclusion. Sadly, I am no longer surprised when someone attacks Trump and then turns around and engages in the same conduct on which they attacked Trump.
15
@one Nation under Law
She was addressing Trump's rancid attitude towards gay people because he has political power he is abusing to placate an intolerant base.
Attributing or even pretending that Trump intended any sort of grace or "inclusive gestures" is laughable. The guy is a huge baby.
48
“Undeniably inclusive gesture.”
Is there an imoji for/
Hysterical, lauging mockery?
29
The point is Trump is a misogynist who has bragged of sexually assaulting women and allegedly has raped women. You think a woman as successful and achieved would wish to go meet him? NO!!!
33
Rapinoe is a great athlete, a positive role model and a charismatic speaker. I hope she uses all her prodigious talents in the future.
43
What an impressive expression of the national zeitgeist – at least for most of us – from Megan Rapinoe. I found her words to be authentic and uplifting. Congratulations to her and the entire USWNT for their achievement and inspiration to us all.
31
“Enough about me.”
“Now more about me.”
She’s on the way to books, TV and millions from Nike.
18
@Dr. John
Well she does seem to have the savvy to get paid for HER comments. lol. Maybe take a hint.
12
Psst...don’t be a Trumpist and complain about ego.
People will giggle.
22
Good for her! A role model for women!
13
Parade. Great. But they're missing out on BigMacs at the White House and hair styling advice.
18
Bet there will be a purple hair-dye shortage?
7
So jealous of these talented women--champion athletes, articulate, seemingly smart and collegial. And they can dance. You know, my friends can dance and if you can't dance then you're no friend of mine. :-) Congrats to the whole team and hope to see lots more of them in the years to come.
11
Anything I might say would be insignificant compared to the wonderful prose that Ms. Rapinoe shouted out for the country to hear. A banner day for women - now pay them!! So sad the words and good will of this day will fall on the deaf ears of POTUS and his homophobic VP.
24
She really is the real thing. It is good that someone like this speaks up as we all benefit.
23
This young lady and her teammates earned this parade and more, but as far as equal pay is concerned, they deserve more.
If they only performed as good as the men's team, instead
they out draw the men's team and they have a better record.
Equal pay would be a cheap way out.
19
@BTO She's 34 years old. Not a young woman, and probably would promote her cause better by being less caustic.
1
I love the team and their exuberance. Best thing going right now!
21
I agree with equal pay for equal play for both men and women. In soccer, both men and women play exactly the same game and so should get the same money. There should be equal clamoring for professional women to play tennis best of five sets like men. Women play best of only three sets yet receive the same prize money as men. Come on, be fair Megan. Rail against this as well.
3
@Dan
There isn’t anything similar between men’s and women’s soccer. There isn’t anything similar between men’s and women’s basketball. There isn’t anything similar between going to high school and going to college.
2
@Shamrock
There isn't anything similar in the number of victory parades...
7
Rapinoe is one thoughtful and smart human being. Last night her message to Trump on CNN was brilliant.
The entire USWMT is brilliant and have represented us well, and I am grateful that they have enough courage and integrity to stand their ground. They are all incredibly deserving of this attention and the coach is too.
Women in a position of attention and power doing positive things for others.
It is awesome to behold.
38
She was great on the Rachel Madrow show also. I think she is the real thing.
16
Bravo Ladies! You are the best, Congratulations!!
12
REALITY: it's all about her i.e. she is a phony leader
11
@james alan
Do you say the same thing about Lebron James? “It’s all about him i.e. he is a phony leader”?
9
@James Alan
Rapinoe's name is on:
1. Her jersey.
2. Her Golden Boot trophy.
3. Her Golden Ball trophy.
All earned, not bought.
23
@james alan
"phony leader?" She shows far more class than you. When I want to look at a phony leader, I only need to look at the current occupant of the White House.
13
Eigh... Rapinoe fatigue....
14
@Mystery Lits
Patriarchy fatigue.
32
Andy Warhol’s ‘15 minutes of fame’ has evolved into an endless gyration of social media “influencers” and celebrity-athlete-activist- politician wannabes in a continuous, mind-numbing stream across the public stage. Enough already!
16
They may have won the tournament but their arrogance and obnoxious behaviour didn’t win them a lot of sympathy outside the US
20
Except for the UK Ambassador to the US.
5
@Koen
So?
4
@Koen
I’m curious. Why do you think they need anyone’s sympathy?
10
Rapinoe 2020
12
This team has put the racist buffoon occupying the White House, and his sycophant party, in a bit of quandary.
They represented the United States and won a true "world championship" against other nations. Not a Super Bowl against other American teams or a so-called World Series against a city a few states away.
But they appear to reject Trump's national agenda and are not afraid to say so. Going forward they are a political challenge for the Republicans...women, straight, gay, black, white, etc...they appeal to a lot of the voting public!
37
These young women deserve not only equal pay but also a big bonus. Their winning the championship and their demonstration of their pride in being Americans has done more for our country than anything else in a long time. They should be held up as examples to all young people.
16
Magan Rapinoe is the Is the Reggie Jackson of Women's Soccer. She is the stirrer who stirs the drink. The drink is America. America is together when we all accept each other. And then the drink tastes better.
15
what does that mean « several players were seen swigging from champagne bottles”? Is the NYT the new 18th century Emily Post?
7
Gotta, just gotta have a pair of those cheaters Megan is wearing!
2
I don't appreciate sports / entertainment figures preaching to folks. Just play and win; then collect on your contract. If you are not happy with your pay, keep it to yourself or discuss privately with your crib. Please don't involve me in your pay disputes or your political thoughts. You are not a god or even a leadership figure. You are a soccer player. Come down from your high perch and stop telling other people how to think and act. Just take care of yourself, and demonstrate via your positive actions. If visiting the president is beneath you, just say you can't make it.
14
@Paul
Like reality tv show stars?
Just wondering.
15
Should *you* stop telling people how to think and act? Or should we listen to your opinion just as we listen to theirs? Which do you choose?
17
If you don’t like it, look away. No one forced you to click on this article. Let those who love and support the USWNT enjoy their success.
4
What Megan Rapinoe and the team demonstrate is the power of female joy and pride. It is because they have had to deal with discrimination on and off the field that their pride and dancing and laughter take on political heft, and I think they know it.
Be joyful, be yourself, own your accomplishments. Spread out and take up some space, because you deserve it. How often are young women told to do that? How often are they shown a model for what that can look like?
31
This team could become an enormous "political" problem for Trump and his GOP base.
They're winners [Trump loves winners] but winners who embrace ideals he and his followers disdain...inclusion, forward-thinking, women's rights, etc., etc. He challenged them. They stood up and met the challenge.
They also represent enormous swaths of the voting public. Straight, gay, black, white, women, and play a sport that is at the heart of Hispanic America.
This was THE celebration of the summer. The Trump Fourth of July thing is already an afterthought!
What is Trump's base to do?
19
@History Guy
Wow ... bit of an overstatement, doncha think? A big problem? Good grief. THE celebration of the summer will be yesterday's news by this fall.
6
It’s soccer. They really don’t care.
6
Megan inspires me so much. This woman is amazing! Beyond being a great athlete, she is such an advocate for equality and decency. I would love her to run for office someday!
13
I wish that after the US team won the World Cup and reporters descended on the team that Megan Rapinoe had said she needed to sit down for a moment because her bone spurs were bothering her.
6
I was out of touch with the past accomplishments of US Woman's Soccer team until Megan Rapinoe"s dust up with Trump. From that moment on I rooted for the team.
15
Megan is chicken soup for the soul in this age of divisive politics. I love her. Megan, please, please, please run for office after you retire from professional sports. America needs you.
8
@Mary
The woman kicks balls across grassy turf for a living. She may be good at that...but she’s qualified for public office like I’m qualified to perform brain surgery. Please stop with the celebrity worship...
15
She clearly has leadership skills, she was a straight A student, got a full college scholarship, has a degree in political science, was an Olympic gold medalist, etc, etc.
Do you really think she’s less qualified than Trump?
25
And Trump has what qualifications for public office ?
9
Love more, hate less, and judge less.
5
Women’s Team: 4 World Cups
Men’s Team: 0 World Cups
The women should be paid more than not equal.
They represent the USA not their soccer clubs.
12
@Opinioned!
Men's World Cup: $6 billion in revenue.
Women's World Cup: $131 million in revenue.
Math is hard, but come on.
7
You’re comparing the wrong thing. The US men make about 13k per game compared to the women who make about 4K. The women bring in more spectators and they win! No one is disputing that the Men’s World Cup makes more worldwide. But last time I checked, the US Men didn’t qualify for the World Cup and the US Women won it. For the fourth time.
For everyone criticizing the women for asking for equal pay, it’s their job. In your company, are men and women paid the same for the same job? I bet you’d be pretty ticked off if you found out you made less because of your gender. And your precious tax dollars aren’t going to their salaries. They are paying for tanks in the streets over the Fourth of July.
13
Swagger and arrogance? It's not bragging if it's true.
These players backed up everything they said. They delivered.
Babe Ruth had swagger and arrogance, but he hit home runs like no one before, so he earned it.
Muhammad Ali bragged and danced and rhymed but when it was over, he was standing. He earned it.
The soccer women showed incredible work ethic, incredible skill, incredible teamwork. They backed up their words. They absolutely dominated. And after the games they loved their families in the crowd, they showed respect for their opponents, they exuded sportsmanship.
They left nothing to complain about.
34
Leave it to de Blasio to try being in front of a parade that doesn’t need him...or his wife.
8
Be clear: the performance of the US Men’s team is not just “significantly weaker.” They didn’t even qualify to play in the 2018 men’s World Cup. And no men’s team has won since 1950.
19
“This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better, we have to love more and hate less. Listen more and talk less. It is our responsibility to make this world a better place,” Rapinoe told the crowd.
Seriously? You just had a major Twitter-war with Trump, and now you are "charging" the public to be more civil?
The Republicans and Trump are not listening. Your own recent preemptive refusal to attend any WH ceremoney underscores that this is not an era for the pollyanish view of "love" conquering "hate." Republicans and Trump use hate as a weapon and a motivational tool, and it appeared to me that Rapinoe understood that.
Far better to use your platform to motivate your followers to get out for registration drives and consolidate their support behind the eventual opposition (Democrat) nominee.
5
Megan is part US women's soccer champion and part Clara Lemlich who fought for women's rights and women's pay. The petite Clara was beaten badly one night by two ex-prizefighters hired by the waist shirt companies to silence her. A few days later she appeared back on her soap box preaching to those that would hear about the abuses against women in the factories.
5
OK, fellows ... please play like a girl. Time to rise to their level.
Bravo to the US Women's Soccer Team! You deserve every plaudit, have earned each of those joyous bits of confetti, every hoarse, happy, cheer.
Set the example, share the passion, be the change you want to see in the world. You're the very best.
Congratulations, from an admiring, delighted, Canadian.
12
Gotta admit I do like colorful hair dyes--just not too keen on orange these days.
19
Cuomo’s father would never have pulled a stunt like riding in a float with the USA women’s soccer champions. He had nothing to do with their success. It was a minor league attention grab. The son is a lightweight.
3
Did Rapinoe have to use totally crude language as hundreds of thousands of young girls and other fans watched her on live TV? How is that about "love more and hate less"?
Seems like Rapinoe has more than enough hate in her.
14
Congrats to this wonderful group of talented women. I am absolutely all in favor of equal pay in the world of soccer. Where I worked for many years, the women in high tech positions were paid equally so soccer seems behind. However, Rapinoe does nothing to lessen the hate in America by her verbal tirade against Trump. She should turn the other cheek and be a positive example and go to the WH if Trump asks. If she doesn’t do that, she is as bad as all the other haters both on the left and right. Be a positive positive sample Megan!
3
She told Trump he does not represent her and many others. She is gay and Pence and Evangelicals do not believe in gay people and Trump supports them. Have you read some of the things they have said about gays especially Pence. I am not gay but he scares me.
11
I am voting for Megan Rapinoe 2020. She says it all.
5
Equal Pay, say it and repeat it.
If it matters I'm an old white guy and unless something has changed recently we all have mothers so how hard can it be to understand that women have to be treated fairly. And for every father out there with a daughter do you really want her to be paid less for whatever she does than a co-worker who gets more just for being a man. Of all the injustices that exist this certainly has to be the one mostly easily stopped.
Hey Trump, earn some votes for yourself, make an Executive Order for equal pay and tell Mitch to call Pelosi so Congress can make it law.
10
She is no role model on so many levels, none of which relate to her sexual preference. She is the single most divisive American of 2019.
8
@BobC
Perhaps there might be someone more divisive...
29
Says the Trump supporter.
13
No sir, trump is the most divisive American of 2019. If he even is American.
17
Winning the World Cup—twice in a row—just isn’t good enough for some people. The members of the USWNT must also be genteel, soft-spoken and humble.
Should they be required to attend charm school classes, like the women in ‘A League of Their Own”? Should they only sign endorsement deals with makeup and washing machine companies? Have interviews appear in the “lifestyle and fashion” section of the newspaper?
Great-grandpa’s drawers! What will it take before women can just be human beings above all, capable of strength and pride and opinions?
23
@A
More class than Trump.
10
You mean Trump.
1
@Sue
Tying support to women’s soccer to being anti-Trump is the worst marketing strategy of all time. You have lost a huge group of men forever. Good luck surviving on women attending soccer games.
Equal pay for equal work... when you sell less tickets, less merch, have less followers.... you get paid ...less. Once the women's team ups their game and can beat teams of 15 year old boys we can revisit the conversation.
9
@Mystery Lits
Well.... USWNT team jersey outsold USMNT team jersey this year and I think Nike said by a good bit and that was before this win, USWNT brought in a bit more money over the last four years, USWNT has had all of the top few highest TV ratings ever, etc.
12
@Mystery Lits
Well maybe update your files if you want to properly insult someone- this is just shoe scrapings from a Trump rally level blabber: "beat 15 yo boys" etc. Besides, what you have posted is simply false.
The women's team brought in more $$$ than the men's team and won more championships. There are only 2 dots here.
7
The team stands as a living rebuke to Trump. That is the real reason that there are so many negative comments here.
27
@Lefthalfbach Incorrect, the amount of negative comments here are based upon the FACt that these are sports stars not our moral betters. If they had just won and not made this into political spectacle there would be no backlash and those who are now """against""" them would be celebrating their victory with them. It is Rapinoe who chose to alienate half of America not the other way around.
2
@Mystery Lits everyone is entitled to their 1st Amendment rights and opinions. Why would the thoughts of a sports star be any less than a reality t.v. star? Who are these 'moral betters' of which you speak?
12
I feel sorry for you, I really mean.
2
This is what it looks like to literally "BE BEST".
14
In 1992 World Cup Qualification the USMNT won a penalty kick in the dying minutes. A conversion would send them through. Joe Max Moore stepped up to take it and everyone one the bench cowered to watch, but coach Bruce Arena stared intently, later saying,"if he has the courage to take it, I need to have the courage to watch it."
Soccer is just a game, but it's also so much more. Rapinoe's extraordinary courage to step up and take those kicks for her, her family, her village, her team, her country, her world, her... is singular and profound. It's easy to step up , take the kick, miss it and say, "aw shucks." It's a whole other thing to take all that pressure, put it squarely on your shoulders, and bury the thing in the back of the webbing.
What a moment, what a player.
12
It was good to see Rose Lavelle got in at least one picture. Talk about your unsung hero.
11
@sloreader Yes! And she's only 24. That girl's gonna be an absolute terror in the next WC.
Did anyone else see her not know what to do for her photo opp on the podium after the game? It was so endearing. Go Rose and go USA!!!
6
What interested me the most in this article this week is how the USWNT teammates had to say about equality and how their team is well mixed, mainly because today, women are definitely not treated equally. In the workplace, or even on the soccer field. Women are just as capable as men, we can achieve great things. So what's wrong with equal pay? Racism also isn't shown in team either. They have girls from all different racial backgrounds. Any girl of any color is capable to do anything is she puts her mind to it. The many different sexual preferences in the team too-they aren't afraid to show what they stand for. We should be in a world where everyone is treated equally including women no matter the size, color, ethnicity, sexual preference, or gender.
7
I would vote for her if she becomes a politician ,she was smart and immediate that sort of immediacy that commands attention,smiled humbly and over all terrific on Rachel Maddox show last night
No Democrat has her TV potential needed to compete with Trump's ,as an opposite to his bully guy games and on going lying.
4
@Carlyle T. She now has "credibility' as a political figure??????? Volumes erupted. This is why women always run secondary. CT, you are only adding fuel to the fire.........
1
@Tony
I’d say she has as much politics credibility as a B picture actor best remembered for Bedtime for Bonzo, and a third rate reality TV personality who has filed more bankruptcies than the women’s soccer team has won championships.
16
Has Rapinoe ranted against America enough yet to get her $65M Nike deal?
9
@Dr. John
She sounds like she is ranting against particular Americans, but not the US.
15
Thanks for sharing your definition of an American. Many of us happen to disagree with you. And I’d say that Megan is more of a patriot than that Putin-loving, Kim Jung Un-worshipping, “I only care about myself” man in the White House. But glad to know that in your book, character and true intentions aren’t important so long as you go through the motions.
3
@Human
Americans respect our flag and gladly sing the National Anthem.
3
Wow...we can kick a ball in a net.. .Yay!
This automatically makes us experts on politics, women's rights, and any other platform we speak ill of our country about...yay! Ticker tap parade...yay!
6
Bothered by a little fee speech?
4
@Nature Voter WOW, you can have a reality TV show and mulitiple bankrupcies and you can become president of the US? Or you can be a B rated actor and become president of the US?
Why not a soccer star?
6
@Nature Voter -
Wow...we can be a reality show actor and lose over $1.0 Billion in less than a decade. Yay!
This automatically makes us experts on politics and policy!
9
Congratulations to the USWNST!! 2019 World Champions!! So amazing...loved Rosie's goal in the final game. So unbelievable...I keep replaying it...it was like she was dancing, pirouetting down the field like a ballerina at the ABT...then the left kick....into the goal..so beautiful. I know nothing about soccer, but what an amazing team....so confident, proud, strong physically and mentally. Girls do not worry about the critics, you are the best in the world!!!! Rock on!!!! Also, congrats to your coach!!!!!
11
The team is just another example of how Trump has won...his style of fighting...take no prisners...crush them...win at all costs...was sadly evident in the team's manner and style....true sportsmanship is dead...
1
Have you ever watched football?
9
She deserves her 15 minutes.
1
@XLER (keeps check watch)... is it up yet?
3
Let’s here some feminists on the men’s national team step up and support equal pay.
3
My brother, a soccer coach and great father to his daughters who both played soccer at the college level refused to watch the U.S women's soccer matches, boycott was the word. You can probably guess who he supports. Free speech and being allowed to express your opinions about their Supreme Leader will not be tolerated. The kids watched every minute and couldn't be prouder, guess who they don't support. TRUMP
15
@PB -
Ummm, how can he refuse to watch the U.S women's soccer matches and still be a great father to his daughters?
I realize that he is your brother, and so it's tough to be objective, but perhaps you need to reassess?
3
How nice and wholesome are Megan Rapinoe and her teammates!
And graceful too!
Congratulations!
8
Personally, I was very happy the US team won, but I love British sarcasm. Well done.
I admire their skill, hard work and teamwork in winning the Cup. But what stands out for me is how much they like each other, how comfortable they feel in their own skin, and how joyful they've been throughout the tournament. Joy has been in short supply the last two years, and it was great to partake vicariously in theirs.
22
They really are great aren’t they?
8
I am so happy for the team victory. I just wish that Megan would share the spotlight by listening more and talking less. It seems that the media has turned this so-called team sport into the Megan Rapinoe show, which does a disservice to the rest of the team.
10
@John and it was especially a team win this time, nobody quite 100% singularly stood out, although some close, just an inch or 1 or 2 things away. Rapinoe did some great stuff, certainly deserves praise for play, but wasn’t even the best forward in overall run of play, Morgan did a lot more overall in the run of play (& what ThaiFranceEng games) and all the other forwards arguably had near equal or bit better run of play play. Rapinoe did have a very nice game for much of the France game though and did make pressure PKs throughout. But many media have blown a lot out of proportion even getting basic facts wrong like saying she won the golden boot for having had more goals than anyone in the tournament when she actually had tied for most & far less run of play goals than other leaders. She got it by tied for most goals & then tied for most assists & then finally having played less minutes.
And some press reports say she clearly dominated play above all others from start to finish, but she actually had the weakest run of play against Thailand & some of the weakest against Sweden & Spain.
That said, OTOH, the hater comments, go way overboard the other way & make it sound like she did nothing. She did have some very nice play in much of the key France game where she also scored a key run of play goal & she did perform in all the free & penalty kick moments, sure players most often make PKs, but not always, these were max pressure. That is a lot. Good leadership too it seemed.
@Person
She was also the co captain so her job was to hold the team together and encourage everyone to shine
5
‘Listen more and talk less’ : in a country that encourages self-expression and not a whole lot of genuine listening, lest it be perceived as passive, not leading, I can think of a lot of people - public figures, colleagues, family members - who should heed that advice.
2
@lm
I don't think Megan Rapinoe talks too much although a lot of what she says is boilerplate and, honestly, she knows she won't suffer one whit for telling Trump what he can do to himself.
1
The irreverent and irrelevant U.S. Women's National Soccer Team had its day in the New York sun today, and the parade barely filled the sidewalks of lower Broadway. In fact, the celebration elicited the usual complaints that come with a U.N. traffic shutdown in midtown.
Equal pay? When one watches a World Cup semifinal and sees a half empty stadium (Netherlands-England), one realizes the market for women's soccer is zero on the world stage. Even in the U.S., one cannot argue for equal pay when the team does not draw as many spectators as a mid-tier regular season NHL game. It may not be P.C. to publicize, but there are nearly 4 billion men on the planet who do not care what happens in women's soccer.
As for Rapinoe, she is a great player, but after her soccer career is over is she qualified to do anything aside from make random social commentary? Would you hire her to interact with customers?
14
@James
Couldn’t agree more. This spectacle has turned off forever so many potential male fans. They are the overwhelming majority of sports viewers and I have read nonstop commentary about how terrible men are. Megan is not building a solid resume to work in marketing. Insulting your potential customers doesn’t work very well.
4
@James
You're being obtuse. The National Women's team generates as much, if not more revenue, than the National Men's team. Both are paid by the same agency, the USSF. So the women have proposed revenue sharing with an aim to making compensation equal. The women are NOT arguing their team domestic teams be paid in the same way.
8
@James
"As for Rapinoe, she is a great player, but after her soccer career is over is she qualified to do anything aside from make random social commentary?"
That sounds a lot like what was said of Muhammad Ali.
8
Rapinoe is articulate, empathetic, inclusive and poised; a leader if I ever saw one.
She's focused on Japan 2020 now but, if selected for the team, that will be her last time on the field.
I hope she finds a post-playing major leadership position in the soccer hierarchy or elsewhere.
22
The first player on the men's team to step up and say, "Yes, they deserve equal pay. They work just as hard as we do if not harder; they fill more seats; they are 4x World Champions. Pay them accordingly" will be hailed as a hero too, just for making an obvious statement. Would it be so hard to have fellow players stand up for them?
534
@Rebecca It may be that the US men need to take pay cuts. Their performance is lousy compared to the other world teams
27
@Rebecca
I expect all of you demanding equal pay to show up at USWNT barnstorming games, buy USWNT jerseys, and attend NWSL games if played in your area.
US Soccer can only right so many wrongs in this picture.
It goes to GLOBAL TV and sponsors paying significantly less for WWC sponsorship, FIFA allocating a magnitude amount less prize money.
The best news for global women's soccer was the significant rise in competitiveness coming from traditional men's powers who have lagged (Spain, Italy, England, Netherlands) and whose men's teams drive huge FIFA revenue.
quick - how many women sit on FIFA's governing committee at all? Probably none.
All that said, agreed that it would be nice to hear some vocal support from USMNT players...but that is window dressing. Hard to cash a tweet at the bank.
12
@Rebecca
In a convoluted kind of way, they have. I am sure that the sentiment is there. The blowback is hitting them hard. At the end of the day, they are our team as well and we are proud of them, in spite of the fact that these goddesses of soccer flattened the rest of the world :)
3
The best celebration of the U.S.A. this year and they did it without tanks.
919
The truth is women's soccer is not very popular worldwide, to put it politely...
I still remember when the USA won the world cup in 1999, plus the olympic gold medal in Atlanta 1996, and silver in Sidney 2000.
All the USA press went bersek with Mia Hamm "the best female soccer player in the world", while absolutely nobody else cared about both the titles or the player. It was like a title/medal in sinchronized swimming (I would rather watch the grass grow) or something like that.
14
@Ruben Nasser
We all seen this story before. It’s seems to run more than a Friends rerun. The ending is always the same. Women’s soccer just doesn’t appeal to enough men and not enough women watch any sport.
6
Looks like someone is a little out of the loop. Catch up, friend. We’ll wait right here.
29
@Ruben Nasser: I looked down the main street of the southern Italy town at midday on a working Tuesday and saw, at a distance, locals entering an unseen area between two pillars. I wasn't sure what was going on so I walked all the way down.
It was a soccer match between two towns' teams, almost ended and standing room only in a field surrounded by low-slung bleachers. I crowded in and absorbed the vibe, looking all around.
Something itched at me. It wouldn't leave me alone. I didn't know what but something was weird and I really could not place what was wrong. Then it dawned on me.
Not one single woman.
4
“This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better, we have to love more and hate less. Listen more and talk less. It is our responsibility to make this world a better place,”
She would be more credible if she followed her own advice.
28
@rpe123
Have a listen - she talks a lot, but listens and is listened to.
7
The US women's soccer team is, obviously, very good at playing the sport. However, their utterly classless humiliation of Thailand is indicative of the darker side of what they do and how they approach the world. The other taunts and disrespect they showed towards their opponents on the world stage arevalso instructive. So, they are entitled to their celebration. Hopefully, the next time they perform at the global level, they will do so with a little humility, compassion and class, most of which was sorely lacking this time out.
31
@Shaun Narine, Everyone has their own view of a game. The women's football team reminds me of Ali. You are only bragging when you are unable to perform at a very high level. The truth is Thailand did not belong in a tournament of such high quality.
64
@Shaun Narine
Goal differential is a tie breaker. You need to score as many goals as you can. If you decide to stop trying to score, you risk being eliminated from the tournament if there is a tie.
178
@Shaun Narine Agreed. You'rethe best in the world, act like it and show some humility.
14
"We have to love more and hate less". Says the woman who has been trashing the president for a couple of weeks now.
32
Trashing? Or stating that Love will always trump hate?
73
@JJC
Always.
"All you need is Love"
- John Lennon/Paul McCartney
10
Criticizing, yes. Trashing, no, not based on what I have heard her say. Please feel free to provide examples to the contrary though. As for Trump, trashing is all he knows how to do. Latest example: his insulting comments about the UK Ambassador. But I guess it’s okay when Trump does it, is that it?
17
"Love more, hate less"? Practice what you preach. You spout vitriolic hatred. That makes you a hypocrite.
41
@SSC Standing against those who hate is not the same as spouting hatred.
54
Please cite her “vitriolic hatred”. I’m waiting.
43
@SSC
We grant exceptions when it comes to Trump. His behavior is do despicable it deserves scorn
17
I think it's telling that some of the first comments posted here were critical of the swagger and "arrogance" of the team, when I'm guessing most would celebrate that behavior if exhibited by a male squad, as they do when our president behaves that way. The US World Cup winners are completely deserving of today's parade, for both their athletic accomplishment and the way they refuse to get drawn into the little, petty social skirmishes and instead focus on issues impactful to millions. Impossible to have watched Rapinoe on CNN last night, the way she talked about her sense of responsibility and love for her brother, without coming away with respect and admiration.
830
@Number23 It's a jump to say most would celebrate the men pouring it on with 4 in the last 10 minutes to make it 13-0 and wildly celebrating. Man or woman, show some humility.
28
@Number23 I think it's equally telling that so many people excuse "swagger and arrogance" in women simply because men get away with it. Why is it only counted as gender equality when women act traditionally male? Why are those attributes the ideal we're all supposed to be striving for? Mother Theresa, for example, focused on issues that were impactful to millions and she didn't need to grandstand to do it.
Having said all that, I'll add the Megan Rapinoe is really cute though.
9
@Number23 Yes, in other parades I've seen with winning teams in men's sports, the champions behave with great decorum and don't express their joy publicly. And their fans don't pull down streetlights and set things on fire, either.
56
My sincere “Congratulations” to the team for their magnificent victory and for carrying all American women along with them. You are inspirational and deserve the accolades.
19
My 8 year old son and I went to the parade today, to support the team, and to catch a glimpse of roll models he can look up to.
It was inspiring to see how they simultaneously reveled in the adoration of their moment, while giving all of us, as a country, something to be proud of.
Whether it was fair or not, they did have so much more than a game to carry, and they did it with tremendous grace. Like any great message they gave me hope, and renewed my passion in the charge that it is up to us make this world a better place, without apologies.
Thank you and congratulations USWNST!
64
@Jackson let’s hope you hold your president to the same standard of grace.
2
@Jackson”They didn’t do it with grace at all..”. “They?” You should rethink your use of pronouns. If your complaint is about Rapinoe, that’s one thing, but to include the entire team in a sweeping statement claiming it didn’t win with grace at all, is pretty narrow minded. Maybe you should watch reruns of the matches so you could see how the USA team won the World Cup with skill, effort, and yes, with tremendous grace.
3
I imagine your hopes will most likely be shattered by breakfast time.
1
Do not be fooled. Like the confetti falling during the day's parade, the accolades from the power brokers will soon be swept away and forgotten. This is the reality. Do not expect US Soccer to treat women with respect or equality when the President of US Soccer can't correctly pronounce Megan's last name. Do not expect Nike, Adidas, etc. to treat women equally when the shirts created for this team fail to include four stars. World Cup winners earn a star for their nation with each World Cup championship. The U.S. women have now earned 4 - the shirts show 3. Are these but small miscues? Perhaps. But I think these "miscues" offer a glimpse at the reality with which the true power brokers view this women's team and perhaps all women's sports. There will be no "equal" investment in women's sports. Sad.
9
Hurray. A few caveats. The women's team is best in the world. But the ROW doesn't give a fig newton for women's soccer. The level of competition our women face is iso much weaker than the men's world cup. Thailand? So all the bashing the men's team is unwarranted. The US men's team is competing against a world full of men who grew up playing soccer as children. Literally hundreds of million. The skill level of professional male soccer players is simply put -- so far above that of women it isn't even close to comparable.
As for equal pay. The market for professional female soccer players is non existent. The US women owe their incomes to being on the US women's team. Sure, they play women's pro soccer -- in a subsidized league no one watches with an avg salary of under $50k. The men however, all play pro and their income is often in the high six figures or more. When they take time to play for the US team -- for which they don't get paid unless they win -- is simply a patriotic act. They aren't dependent on US Men's soccer.
As for the overall issue of equal pay- -- once you control for comp related factors like level, skill, geography and industry -- gender pay differences evaporate. I've analyzed the data. Using this to push equal pay -- a liberal canard (among many) is ridiculous. The women aren't playing at the same level as men, they have weaker competition. There is little market for their services outside of the WC and olympics. So Hurray.
9
@Ralphie
A sober assessment. Finally.
1
The one thing I have noticed is I enjoy the women’s soccer just as much as the men’s soccer. It seems to be a sport where the skill of the players can really be seen and the size of the player or sex is not material.
2
“I’ve analyzed the data.”
Thanks for the chuckle.
3
I suspect Trump looks at this team and quite literally sees a group of enemies.
The vast majority of Americans look at this team and see friends, neighbors, daughters, representatives in sport.
That difference tells you something about Donald Trump.
He does not see people. He sees his own warped ideas projected onto people.
If something so glorious as the US Women’s Soccer Team cannot break through that inner self-imprisonment, what on earth can?
32
@Paul McGlasson. I suspect he didn’t look at this team at all. That applies to millions of us. So don’t even try to say “vast majority of Americans”. Apparently you are clueless as to why DeBlasio had the parade.
I can’t help thinking this is why men (not all) keep women down. Because women like Rapinoe are change-makers, and why would these men (trump and his ilk) want change? Things are great for them. Women will use their platform to make the world a better place. They are multitaskers - they can be phenomenal athletes and advocates for change. Anyone who is uncomfortable with that might benefit from looking within to discover why they feel threatened by that. The men I know and love don’t.
31
Wow, look at the hundreds of people that turned out.
Equal pay!
6
Rapinoe may be a showoff, but she is our American showoff. It was her strength and unbound energy that enabled her to slap down the golden haired boy in the White House who tried to steal the American women’s team show.
31
Were there more attendees at this parade than at Trump’s inauguration?
35
@X. Pat More than at the corrupt 4th of July campaign rally too!!
4
@X. Pat
The number of attendees I don't know, but the words spoken here were more sigfinicant.
3
They should actually get paid more than the men’s team...
19
Just bought my Rapinoe jersey.
14
Me too- to line my cats litter box!
1
Did you see the size of that crowd?
It's bigger than Trump's inaugural crowd!
32
You can’t win without the gays!
22
@June
Your comment made me laugh so hard I started to choke and almost died!
1
If Trump doesn't invite this team to the White House, he is a coward.
5
It was a jolt seeing the Obama tweet, we've come so far from a president who acted presidentially.
Congrats to the Champions!
34
Megan steals the show because she doesn't let any of the other great players get on camera.
12
Uh...
She was the captain and thus spokesperson who also earned, not just one, but two trophies for her excellence - the golden boot (given to the WC player with the most goals) and the golden ball (WC MVP).
Spotlight: deservingly so
11
@Julia It is a team captain's job to represent the team. what lets you know they share your issue?
3
America was Made Great by this women's team.
Let's see more of this!
We have been short on inspiration, optimism, good sportsmanship, and in short, something to be proud of.
This women's team was so fun- it reminds us what we are missing: Good America.
15
This was a great team win, richly deserved.
Yet I can't help but feel that the success of the women's soccer team poses a threat to many insecure men, Trump being the most obvious example. To them, it's just not right that women are breaking barriers, speaking up, demanding respect, displaying burgeoning self-confidence. You see it in the new women in Congress. You find it among creative artists, writers, civic leaders.
A certain percentage of men are uneasy with this. They are rebelling, moving further to the right extreme, Their champion is the President of the United States, a serial mysoginist who treats women as if they were shiny baubles.
In a nutshell, it is this opposing world views, and opposing choices, that will be at the heart of the 2020 election. Will female candidates triumph? Will there finally be parity not just of pay, but of respect, of equal and transcendent dignity, of -- finally -- empathetic comity among men and women?
In its way, the US Women's Soccer Team has set the table for the direction the country needs to follow.
33
I live in Shasta County but I never followed women's soccer before. I knew about Megan Rapinoe because my friend's husband coached girls soccer in Palo Cedro and mentioned that one young girl on the team was an outstanding athlete. I have been following a lot of the press about her and it turns out that not only is she an outstanding athlete, but a wonderful human being.
Shasta County in general is a very conservative place: unwelcoming of gays, progressives and non-Christians. Megan Rapinoe has risen above all that. It was reported in today's local paper that her father voted for Trump. Something to think about.
36
Interesting that so many of the negative comments here are from men. I am thrilled that the women won, am with them on the issue of equal pay, and I say let them celebrate as they wish!!
In both men's and women's soccer, goals are widely celebrated. I watched the 3rd place match between Sweden and England. Sweden won but both teams celebrated their goals! And Sweden had quite a long post-game celebration that no one talks about. The US team is the best in the world, and has been pushing for better pay and federation support for all, not just for the US players.
24
I am all for strong, confident women. Soccer is a terrific sport and it requires people who are very skilled and in excellent condition to play at the highest level. I love to see them play hard and with joy.
I only wish it had not taken so long to get Title IX and to create opportunities for women to play. My cohort of girls were faced too many barriers prior to the 1970’s. Actually we owe women more support to help compensate for the years of neglect.
Equal Pay!!
20
I watched every match the US women played. A very talented team if not the best women’s team ever. That said, this was a team win. The talented and steady play of Kristen Dunn must not be overlooked. Dunn was everywhere on the pitch. She stuck like glue on strikers from opposing teams forcing them outside. She sent long passes to Meghan Rapinoe that enabled Rapinoe to strike. Other overlooked players include Tobin Heath who worked magic with her dribbling, Becky O’Hara who played as solid as a rock, and Rose Lavelle who clinched the title with her goal. As far as whether the celebrations were over the top, I remember being taught when I started to play soccer to not act as if every goal is your first goal ever. Celebrate when you complete the mission which in this case was winning the championship. Unfortunately, today’s culture celebrates celebration.
11
@Mike
Good, thoughtful comment. Dunn was a critical to the USA winning the WWC. I wonder if anyone could resist to not celebrate a goal at the world cup, the top championship tournament that only comes around once every four years.
2
Thank you New York for giving America's #1 Team a parade...what a thrill for all of us to watch.
31
Rapinoe for President!
21
So proud of a team that worked hard, played tangerine hearts out, and united the country over women’s sports.
How many girls (and boys!) are now inspired and have new heroes?
After decades of fraud, cheating, immorality, and disappointment from our celebrities and leaders, how refreshing to be uplifted by achievement.
Long may they reign!
17
I guess if you care about soccer, then this excitement is somewhat understandable. Stop the talk about saving the world, running for office, etc. Enjoy the team's success.
2
A quick search shows that there are at least 32 former male athletes who have held political office. Why not Rapinoe?
14
Yeah cause saving the world is so divisive
1
And you could have said the same about the male athletes turned politicians.
When the Washington Caps won the Stanley Cup a year ago, their well lubricated celebrations went on and on -- and rarely did anyone seem to think it denigrated the team or the sport. And there were plenty of champagne bottles being waved around in delight.
Hey ladies, celebrate and have fun. All championships are for a single cycle -- then it all begins again, the struggle for the top. So bask in the glory while you can!
13
I'm all for equal pay! Let's have a battle of the sexes....the USA men's soccer team faces the USA women's team in a big primetime showdown. Whoever wins gets claim to the higher salary. This will make the Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs showdown pale in comparison.
9
@rpe123
Brilliant
1
@rpe123
Sure.
Right after one of the USMNT gives birth.
9
@rpe123
I would pay $50 to watch on PPV. It would bring in tens of millions of dollars to these underpaid superwomen. How can they turn it down? Heck just put in a bunch of ex college players from Div III and I would watch them play the USWNT.
This makes me so proud to be a New Yorker.
8
Fantastic athletes. Winning successive World Cups is a great achievement. They deserve our congratulations and praise. I only wish they had shown a little more class and good sportsmanship. I want to be proud of these strong, athletic women instead of being embarrassed by their chest pounding bravado, running up the score and not even making an effort to encourage and act civil to lessor opponents. Hate to say it, but they frequently displayed the same boorish behavior shown by the worst mens teams.
5
@David Please note there is a trophy for the team which scores the most goals. I would say that is an incentive by the Soccer/Football organization to "run up" the score.
As a spectator, I expect elite level teams to continue to put their best efforts out for the whole game. They may (when allowed) put in alternative players to give them experience in Champion games, but to stop trying to score is punishing fans. Having a "stop the game" point when the difference in scoring reaches a certain number is for the education level games--not the games played by the World's Best.
4
SO cool that a team of women athletes, truly the best in the world at their sport, got a ticker tape parade up Broadway.
The U.S. men's soccer team can only look on with envy.
Now, pay these talented women a fair wage!
16
Congrats to our woman's team!
They did it without any help from Russia!
25
The best of America, and what a group worthy of our praise and love! Equal Pay!!
7
I was there this morning.
Almost every "USA!" chant was echoed with an "Equal pay!" one.
9
What? No tanks? No flyover? Is this really America? Thanks, USWNT.
25
@Mike James -
Ummm, "Way to inject nasty partisanship into a soccer match"?
Ever watch male European fans "support" their local football teams?
You've got to be kidding!
1
Thanks for making America great again!
5
"We have to love more and hate less".
But Ms Rapinoe, your hatred of President Trump is plain for all to see.
11
Really?
So if it’s that obvious, you shouldn’t have the teensiest bit of trouble giving an example of it, should you?
Certainly I don’t have any problem coming up with examples of Trump attacking gay folks and women, so what’s the prob?
8
We are all trying to hate Trump less He just makes it so hard
19
@John Murray
For goodness sake, she doesn't hate him. She just disagrees with him on a number of issues. Please don't be so simplistic.
16
Methinks Megan Rapinoe has a future in politics...
3
She spouts the typical left-wing talking points, and she's lionized by The Times. No surprise here.
Please tell her that women's soccer (and the WNBA) generate much less income than their male counterparts, which is the one and only reason why the women get paid less.
7
@Erik Actually the Wall Street Journal recently reported the women’s national team games generated more revenue in 2016-2018 than the men’s games. Given that maybe their claims for equal pay aren’t so far off are they?
30
Yeah “hate less love more “ typical Left Wing talking points
1
As my wife just sarcastically said to me, "I love how some of the negative posters here, mostly men, keep trying to mansplain this moment...just shut and player soccer...stop trying to actually have a political (and economic voice)..." I could go on, but why should any world champion, best in class athlete, in any sport, of any gender, give up their voice and have to keep their mouth shut so some assorted nuts in the peanut gallery think athletes shouldn't have a voice?
29
See the quotation marks? They mean that first he quoted the wife, then he chipped in for himself.
As for the “fiercely feminist,” bit, why yes. In aome circles it is thought that noticing reality is radical.
10
@Honora
In some marriages, the husband pays attention to the wife, because he thinks she is smart, and her opinions are worth considering, and even quoting. Sometimes that might even be why a man and woman get married: because they respect one another's ideas, and really like listening to one another.
Or are you just trolling? In which case, good one! You got me!
3
"Love more, hate less" HA! Practice what you preach.
8
@JR Well, she loves everyone and hates Trump. Trump hates everyone and loves only himself. So on balance, she's right. :)
10
Congratulation are due to the woman's soccer team. Rapinoe has been a great public face but I wish the media would recognize the other player as well.
6
@Daphne
she is the team Captain.
The best and the most deserving celebration/parade we've had in years. We celebrated Women- white, black, straight , gay , tall , short, poor and rich. We celebrated their hard-work, their team spirit and their willingness to succeed and to never give up. They have become the role models to young players and also to parents to accept their children the way they are and support them and see then shine.
22
I admire Naomi Osaka, a winner with humility. A true role model in its purest sense.
15
@MM I remember when I watched my beloved Chicago Blackhawks' victory parade in 2013, with the male players drinking, drunk, and shouting with the same bravado as these ladies. I don't remember them getting tut-tutted to be humble or role models.
20
@MM
Naomi is the ........... best.
1
@Caroline Lupetini
Yes, I watched 3 victory parades for the Golden State Warriors and it was loud and raucous, with plenty of booze available. I'm not saying the women have to do exactly the same, but however they do choose to celebrate, I'm with them 100%!
7
I'm thrilled that the US women’s soccer team is the world champion and have a visceral dislike for the loathsome individual who currently occupies the Oval Office. I'm also in total agreement with Megan Rapinoe’s politics.
That said, I winced at the over-the-top celebrations that accompanied the rout of Thailand, and am particularly dismayed by Rapinoe’s frequent preening. To argue that the behavior of male soccer players gives women license to do what they do is the lamest of excuses: Since when did men become role models, and wouldn't it be better if women set a higher standard for sportsmanship?
One has only to look at the way Rose Lavelle celebrated her beautiful goal against the Netherlands to see what I’m talking about. Despite her well-earned joy, there was none of that flamboyant, egotistic display that followed so many other American goals. Instead, she shared her excitement with other teammates.
Isn’t it enough that we have one adolescent in the White House who embarrasses us before the world? He doesn’t need any more help from our national sports teams.
22
@agMy thoughts exactly. I didn't watch after the first game until the final because a great person wins with humility and inclusion. That includes the teacup gesture. I can't wait for the Brits to come back on that one and it will be deserved. I don't want someone representing this country acting like what comes out of the current WH. However, they played well the last game and seem to have toned down. What I'm enjoying is the exuberance, the equal pay, including the young girls today, and Megan's politics. they stole the show from the WH today. thanks for putting into words how I feel much better than I was able to.
5
@ag I would prefer a different approach by players, regardless of gender, but I am also an old white guy who was taught to respond and celebrate in a more subdued manner. Does not make their way wrong, just different from my generation. That said I think there is a different standard for the same behavior. If men do it there is rarely any negative comments. The women get a very different response and that is flat out not fair. If you are going to hold a subset of people to a standard who are doing the same thing as others then that standard of behavior should be applied across the competitor spectrum.
I am not there on pay, however. Pay is based on many factors. Frankly, the men are probably getting paid way too much relative to their accomplishments but if sponsors, TV, ticket sales, etc. are generating more for the men than the women they should get more pay. If the women are generating more, they should be paid more than the men. In my field I am the top person at my company. I would expect that for those holding the same position at bigger companies and with more budget, staff, etc. as well as considering the financial performance of the respective companies, they will get paid more than me regardless of gender.
1
@Starla as a Brit, I have zero problems with the teacup gesture. It's both amusing and direct and in the strong sporting tradition of making fun of your opponents. If the English team had won and started singing "Oh say can you see ..." as their winning goal was replayed on the big screen, I would hope that Americans would be equally accepting of some gentle ribbing.
6
Congratulations to a group that everybody can look up to and admire.
Hey Washington- a good example has been set for you! Emulate it! We’ll all be better off.
23
Rapinoe is almost as good with the spotlight as she is with a soccer ball. I tear up every time I watch this team.
17
@T Montoya
my thoughts too. She is what is needed. I grew as a single child of a single mother who was abused professionally and personally, I only wish my mother had lived to see Megan Rapinoe, but I am glad she missed 9/11 and Trump—whom she hated anyway. But, what gets me is that this team has spunk, humor and style. It's sports and it gets gritty—good for them..Equal Pay!!!
2
The images of today's parade and well-deserved celebration of strong women fill me with so much joy, I think my heart will just burst.
49
Who would want to go to the White House anyhow? It would be demeaning. The guy there serves up cold fast food ! Disgusting !
41
@Joe So the message Megan Rapinoe sends is you only have conversations with people who agree with you. Kim Kardashian got an African=American woman her freedom from a life sentence because she sat down with the President. The President has met with many people, who he disagrees with and usually, some positive action is the result.
In real life, you resolve problems by talking out your differences with those you disagree with. That reality is completely lost on Megan Rapinoe. Trump is the first president ever to run in support of the LGBTQ community. He issued a worldwide edict to decriminalize homosexuality. A policy that impacts thousands who are living repression in mostly Muslim countries. No president has ever done that. Trump did. Is Rapinoe even aware of this fact? Her fake narrative that 45 is somehow suppressing the LGBTQ will never be challenged by a mass media that coddle Rapinoe as a civil rights hero.
6
@Libblow If geography is what makes you an expert soccer fan, then I got you beat - I grew up in Brazil with a soccer fanatic of a father who turned me into one as well.
The women's games are FAR better. Both US AND Brazil's. No way do I see the same level of passion and intensity in the men as I do in the women. They LOVE the game, and it's absolutely visible.
11
@Libblow
Guess you didn't watch the games! I watched a lot of the women's WC, not just the US games, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Also enjoyed the sell out crowds for many of the games, especially the ones the US played in!
1
Hooray for Megan ( and her team) , but she needs to know her 15 minutes of fame are drawing to a close. Bend it Beckham, Megan. Hit the talk show trail, write the book and do whatever else you can in the remaining time. Hell, run for President!
5
So sick of athletes getting all political. Just play the game and stop abusing your platform. Regardless of the issue...you are held in esteem because of your athletic ability...stick to that. All the other noise causes me to tune you out. Not just her, but any athlete, of any political bent. Tired of politics in everything.
28
@Tom. Keep politics out of sports? That exactly what was said to Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King. And it's more than welcome for all of us with commitments to civil rights and pay equity.
44
@Tom ... because athletes are no longer citizens - just modes of entertainment?
10
@Tom Everybody who can will use their platform. They are still citizens with the right to express their opinions. No one says you have to read the articles or listen to the stories. Should CEOs not share their political views? You seem to be demeaning athletes in general as not being worthy of having opinions outside their profession. If that is the case then the only people who should be expressing their political views are those running for an office. Yeah, no, that does not work.
10
As has been said, If you can do it, it ain't braggin'.
Bravas & Kudos...
55
go girls, a paradigm for our time!
13
Rapinoe Rocks!
22
It is disappointing that one player has stolen the spotlight from the entire team.
A talented team that didn’t even need Rapinoe vs England.
Anyway I’m sure big endorsements will roll in for Rapinoe but I wondering out loud, Will Nike pay Rapinoe the same as Kapernick? Or pay her less because she’s a woman?
10
She didn’t steal the spotlight. She’s the team captain.
13
She’s the captain. She’s not stealing anything
9
I think Hallmark has that phrase copyrighted.
5
Trump made her popular.
7
It’s hilarious how many people are bent out of shape by a group of strong women.
162
Don’t forget who Rapinoe knelt with and for...it’s poorly masked sexism, anti-LGBTism and racism.
Not from me! Congratulations ladies!! True role models and human beings.
7
There is no I in Team. Ms. Rapinoe has made this all about herself and I'm sure her teammates don't appreciate it. We don't care about your politics, just play and have fun.
26
@Jon Galt
You must have missed her speech Mr. Galt - nary an "I" there, all about "we", "team", and "everybody." Better get your hearing checked.
94
@Jon Galt
Speak for yourself, sour grape. This was a happy celebration for America and NYC. The sentiments expressed by Rapinoe were altogether apt and I very much doubt her team mates felt anything but agreement.
49
@Jon Galt
There are two "i"s in "championship".
So spare us the worn-out cliches.
15
The U.S. women's soccer team give meaning to our national motto "E Pluribus Unum" (From Many One), at a time when too many choose to ignore it by denigrating women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. This team, as Megan Rapinoe said, is a true rainbow coalition that demonstrated both on and off the field what really makes America great--diversity, tolerance, and unity.
63
@Paul Wortman "This team, as Megan Rapinoe said, is a true rainbow coalition that demonstrated both on and off the field what really makes America great--diversity, tolerance, and unity."
Your last two characterizations are false. Megan Rapinoe showed no tolerance toward 45 by disparaging him, refusing a White House visit and have a conversation. Second, she divided the public in half by inserting partisan politicals in sports. She is completely unaware that her dissing the president contaminated the World Cup for half the country. She seems to believe that everyone shares her opinion of Trump.
2
@William Aiken
Rapinoe did not divide the country - it already was. She did not refuse to talk to Trump, she refused to allow him to co-opt her success for his own political purposes.
12
@William Aiken Trump’s approval rating is 41%- that’s not half the country.
3
What's not to love about this team? What they say, do, represent. Now they make me proud to be an American.
42
As much as I am a fan of Megan Rapinoe and the entire US women's soccer team, I still feel the need to point out the bad penalty call which resulted in the first US goal in the Finals.
Yes, it is great we won, but I would like to win fair and square and not by a questionable call. Let's celebrate progress, not poor officiating.
tc
6
@northeast.... I still feel the need to point out the bad penalty call" ….Maybe you are referring to the earlier one that wasn't called.
1
@northeast
Rubbush, unless next time you are going for a ball in the box you wouldn't mind getting a cleats-up kick in the shoulder.
1
I think facing up to Trump in person would be more effective than a Twitter battle, and I'd guess that a lot of women on the team would like a WH visit, Trump or no.
As for unequal pay, it apparently derives from past perceptions about public interest. USA Soccer sells broadcast rights to both teams as a package assuming that the women wouldn't be attractive to the media standalone. Hence the idea is that the men would "subsidize" the women. If this past week has countered this conception, then sell the rights separately and adjust the pay accordingly. It may still be unequal, but could go either way.
3
These ladies are so inspiring. I love them all. The leadership vacuum has made them the right voice for the time so many of us desperately crave. To see ourselves and our country as better than the divisive hatestorm that feeds Trump and all his sad lonely marks.
These women are badass joy. The un-silent majority.
Can't wait to see their game at the Rose Bowl.
62
@SC You are sooo right!
11
This was an amazing outpouring after a phenomenal feat! I think the reason this resonates especially in the dark days of the filthy trump era is that so many people, in the #metoo moments we live in, have realized that joy and pride and decency are all too lacking in the stench emanating from the White House. We want to be proud Americans, and the World Cup champions lift us up on their shoulders and they deserve to be lifted up on eras! So much winning for our young women! It's symbolic, stupid!
48
Megan Rapinoe is my sheroe. She is an advocate for human rights around the world.she is the best example of a strong, proud woman!
66
@Juliana James
She might be the greatest person in the world.
5
@Shamrock
Yes. Of course. Megan Rapinoe is the greatest person in the world. Who would disagree?
3
To all you haters out there, who think that the USWNT was obnoxious or arrogant, etc., and who want Megan to shut up.
Megan is smart, and the team is smart. They got the world's attention. And, they got it because they backed up their desire and demands for respect with being the best team.....and winning, again and again.
Mimicking a sip of a cup of tea is nothing compared to the trash talk that happens on a football field or basketball court.
In pro football, they had to institute penalties for taunting and "over-celebrating" in the end zone after a touchdown. In pro basketball, one of the worst taunters was MJ, but he always got away with it, because he was the GOAT (at the time).
It's silly to elevate Megan Rapinoe to a potential life changer for everyone. Let's see what she does in the future. She's not obligated to do anything. I wish that everyone would stop asking her about Trump and not wanting to go to the White House.
She is a great representative for women's sports and all girls who want to keep playing sports past middle school and all girls who are afraid to come out.
She rocks.
572
@Alexandra Brockton
I hope I never hear any criticism in the future of a man being too arrogant since it is now acceptable. Or is it a double standard?
16
I didn’t know there was a woman’s cup going until a few days ago...
4
@Shamrock Well, when a man asks that question, we will let you know.
6
My goodness so many of these comments here reek of female bashing! This team is made up of strong, self confident women. They worked very hard. They are winners. They, as an all female team, are entitled to their outspoken opinions about a misogynistic president who has a verified record of abusing and belittling women. This has zero to do with patriotism. Listen up: strong females in 2019 have no patience, regard or respect for misogyny. And neither should you. Get a grip.
179
@Hortencia
"This team is made up of strong, self confident women. They worked very hard. They are winners"
This pretty much sums up the hate, mostly from the male species and probably voted for Bone Spurs. Nuff said. Consider the source. Some have evolved, some not so much.
27
I find it interesting that when men swagger and celebrate their athletic prowess that's acceptable to most Americans.
When women swagger and celebrate, the insults ensue.
All I can say is way to go, U.S. soccer women.
Strut on!
123
Every Women's World Cup, a player emerges from the numerous hard-working ladies who captivate us and grab our attention, and they become a household name, even to people who don't follow the sport as ardently as us soccer nerds.
I'm glad the majority of America has discovered the joy that is Pinoe. She's been fighting this good fight for years.
17
The U.S. Men's Team should take a knee, and, by overwhelming consensus, demand the U.S. Women's soccer team not only receive equal pay, but a justified bonus for their unequivocal victory in the World Cup.
67
They play pretty good for a bunch of girls :-)
It's nice to have something to be proud of for a change.
12
Megan Rapinoe wants people to talk less and listen more. Obviously she means other people, not herself.
25
@PWR
Must be hard to watch a woman offend you so much with her full self. She led her team to a historic victory. Get over it.
They are trail blazing. This is sports. If you are looking for small egos, look elsewhere.
5
This lady has a future in politics! Run for Congress, Megan!
10
@Holly
Yes. I would love to hear Megan’s views on zoning, rent control, homelessness, drug addiction, criminal code, property tax rates, health care, prescription drug coverage, women draft registration, etc. I can’t wait. I’m so excited for her to run.
7
I was born and raised in Liverpool, England in the 1960s. Not far from Anfield, where the current club European Champions play: Liverpool FC, who I've supported all my life. So you could say I know my football. I played it throughout my youth and well into adult years. That stated, I am very impressed with the US Women's team, and not so impressed with the US Men's team. For the former not to receive equal pay with the latter is a travesty. Next year will mark the centennial in women having fought for the right to vote in the US. Wouldn't it be sensible for the US Soccer authorities to mark this landmark with equal pay for all women and men soccer players? I think it would be sensible and fair, and with K. Harris as President in 2020, what a celebration for women that would rightly be.
34
@MC
Here here from one LFC fan to another., Let's rush the Kop next year too and let Team USA win the gold Medal in 2020.
Amazed by the number of men...still...in this country who cannot countenance strong, independent women. When will we as a nation get past all of our fear and hatred of the Other?
56
@David Look who the president is. Need I say more? they follow in lock step.
10
If Megan chooses to run for the Senate when Dianne Feinstein is ready to retire, I think she has the Right Stuff!
9
It it President Trump's gain that Megan Rapinoe will not visit the White House. She is very willing to visit various Democrats but not President Trump. She is one voice among many and it would be interesting to hear how the other players feel about her decision. I am sure there are a few who would be willing to go but fear repercussions. She has too much power and it has gone to her head. I feel sorry for the female soccer players that they have this woman for a speaking voice.
15
@KMW "She has too much power and it has gone to her head."
Change "she" to "he," add the word "much" before "too" and please send your comment to Pres. Trump, where it would be applicable. Compare the amount of power he has to move people to hate to the amount of power she has thus far had to move people to love, and with a straight face, if possible, explain how this team's victory has gone to her head and his victory hasn't. Well, you know, in 1944, I would have been willing to visit FDR, but not Stalin. In 1965, I would have been willing to visit Willy Brandt (in fact, I was living in West Berlin in 1965), but not Franco. In 1980, I would have been willing to visit Margaret Thatcher, but not Augustin Pinochet. Why should she in 2019 be any different?
40
Not a single one of these women want to go to the White House. Not a one.
30
@Anita Larson
. . .not unless they are waving picket signs outside.
And that goes for any other self-respecting pro or Olympic-class athlete these days.
13
The team is awesome and an inspiration to girls (and boys) everywhere. Good for them for not allowing Trump to co-opt them. And by the way, why don't the men's teams get on board and demand equal pay (or MORE for winning).
48
@Diana Leo Why is this even about Trump? What does he have to do with soccer or their achievements?
1
@Joe O'Malley
Trump made it about himself. For him, everything going on in the world is about him! He has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
3
this is AWESOME. this is something we can really get behind, and this team of amazing, powerful and dedicated woman are using their platform to speak truth to power. Good for them!
38
Like most people I became a fan during the WorldCup. Does Megan Rapinoe speak for the entire team? She deserves 15 minutes of fame. She earned it. But so did her teammates. Do they always defer to her? Many fans are already suffering from “Rapinoe Fatigue” and would be interested in another voice.
17
As the captain, yes she does speak for the team.
57
@C3PO ... because she is the captain. Captain as primary spokesperson is the norm in sports.
8
Loved the joyous parade, the heartfelt comments, and the crowd support; would have preferred no mayor and definitely not the governor. Megan should cut down on the foul language a bit, she has a billion young girls and their parents as fans.
I also greatly appreciate that she’s not doing the equality tour so much for herself but for my 10-year old daughter.
23
@Max W,
I've cussed like a sailor since my daughter was a baby. I've never treated her in an infantile manner. she has never copied my language around me or other adults. she know exactly what context is.
11
She must be so proud of you.
4
@NJLiberty,
yes I believe she is- I had to raise her myself since she was 2 when her father died. and she is amazingly accomplished- I'm sure you'll be reading about her someday in the future.
8
She didn't steal the show, she earned it.
409
Right on!
25
@WA "She didn't steal the show, she earned it."
Gotta respect that, Mr. President.
7
@WA Correction...They earned it. It is so hard to talk about fairness and equality while stealing the show from her teammates.
Congratulations to World Cup campions, U.S.A. Women's Soccer team. And kudos to Megan Rapinoe for standing up to "the donald" or bully-in-chief.
If you watched the parade this morning, you might have noticed that the only partisan signs were for Trump 2020. More divide and hate from the right wing of American politics. The trolls couldn't even celebrate an AMERICAN victory without trying to drive a wedge.
And by the way, where was "the donald" when the U.S. team was playing France? Not at the match as was the French President had been. Nor was "the donald" at the final against Netherlands. What a bogus "patriot" he is.
65
Of course, and, as we well know, platitudes change the world . . .
9
@PS
Love is love. No one is illegal. Science is real. Water is life. You mean those platitudes.
6
Rapinoe does not need Trumps ear. She is not asking for it any more than Marc Antony needed Caesar's attention during his "Friends, Romans, Countrymen funeral tribute early in the First Century. Ms Rapinoe has the ears of the football loving world. Unlike Trump, she is prepared for what lies ahead. He needs her. ....badly. Good luck with that!
23
She didn't steal the show, it was already hers.
81
I'm sure Rapinoe would be proud to go to the White House if we had a normal President. Lets hope she is part of the next winning team when there is a new President, and yes why not a woman. Elizabeth Warren?
110
@Jean louis LONNE
The next president should invite all the winning teams and/or players who denied the privilege of being guests of the White House during the nightmare of the Trump regime.
9
I'm not sure about equal pay. If anything, the women should get higher pay than the men, because they've been much more successful and have brought much more $$$ and notoriety to the US Soccer program.
Ironic that a day after the women won the World Cup against the Netherlands, the men lost the Gold Cup to Mexico.
50
Exactly. She needs to take her own advice and quit hating on the President. He congratulated all the players. Even the one who hate him. Stop the hate Megan, embrace the President who loves this nation so very much.
21
@Mark Raymond
Loves the nation so very much??????
Nope, not buying that at all. He hates this country loves only himself and doesn't care about his country at all.
A proven liar, misogynist and plays the patriot only when it serves him and his base. These amazing showed how superior they are and they didn't need to do it with tanks or planes.
99
Exactly?
Not hardly.
El Maximo has done nothing but attack the whole list of equal rights for gay people and dump on women...and then, of course, fire off a set if ugly little tweets at Rapinoe that you somehow missed.
No doubt you also buy Melania’s campaign to end cyberbullying.
67
The Commander in Division lacks the humanity necessary to love our great nation!
15
Oooooh look at all the haters. These women rock, unapologetically. Stay bitter and be left behind. Open your heart and feel their joy. Very strong women, a great example to all of us and especially to kids today. BRAVO.
211
A great champion, a spectacular team and in era of Trumpism, a rare opportunity for a bit of national pride.
40
Adoring fans. Great weather. No tanks.
350
Good for them.
Fantastic team and pretty good people as well.
Now the haters can go one with their nonsense and let these women do what they do best win futbol titles and represent our country.
Cue the haters!
22
Regarding the goal celebrations by the USWNT in thier 13-0 rout: "Former Canadian soccer players Clare Rustad, Kaylyn Kyle, and Diana Matheson called the display 'disgraceful.' 'If you are going to blow away a team, do it with humility,' Rustad said. '...celebrating goals eight, nine, ten the way they were doing was really unnecessary.' " (CNN, 12June2019) "Even Hope Solo, whose had her fair share of celebrating big wins, thinks the USWNT took their celebrations too far when they crushed Thailand ... " (CNN, 13June2019) Its not about the goal differential or the wide difference in team rank, its about sportsmanship. And yes, I get just as disgusted when the guys act like that. " ... the New Zealand All Blacks ... have dominated world rugby for years but have always treated their lesser opponents with respect. They beat the US men 74 to 6 not that ago and never once did they disrespect their opponents like the US women team did with Thailand. They recognized part of their role as sportsmen is to support the development of the sport worldwide and respect their opponents regardless of their skill level. They did not stop scoring points but they respected the Eagles by not personally humiliating them." (SBFH,NYTimes, 8July2019)
14
It’s a point system. When there is a tie the team who has scored the most points overall has the advantage. Can you bother to understand that?
13
@Steve Kennedy I totally agree!
2
I guess only boys in Texas get to drive the big trucks huh?
4
grateful for a parade of thanks, not tanks.
106
What were Cuomo and DiBlasio doing on the floats? Asking for a friend.
6
@Pigenfrafyn In a word, who cares? Politicians are a dime a dozen and only around for photo ops, this time they stayed away thankfully.
2
@Pigenfrafyn they were there 4 years ago, too. they do happen to be publicly elected officials. sort of their duty to represent. both won the popular votes by wide margins.
2
Amazed still by the fact that so many people consider these women unpatriotic for refusing to visit a POTUS that doesn't support any of their positions regarding equal pay, rights, etc...YET, those same people didn't say a word when Tom Brady skipped the Obama WH visit.
165
@triplej10 Maybe a golf-cheating loser like Trump is afraid to be around true winners.
4
Rapinoe for President!
18
@dchow She'll be 35 next year -- that makes her eligible!
3
@dchow
Yes. Her nomination will be a sure defeat for Democrats. Run Megan Run.
3
This team shows real American greatness. We all should be proud.
Now let's get them equal pay.
30
Megan Rapinoe said she would not go to the White House because she feels she does not have the administration's support. What a missed opportunity to not sit down with President Trump and iron out her differences with him. I think he would have had her ear. I wonder how the other team members feel about not visiting the White House? Did she speak for all of them or only a minority?
Brandi Chastain, the 1999 World Cup champion thought it was a mistake not to visit the White House no matter your political differences. She said she had gone many times and it was a golden opportunity. Today there was a celebration at the rose bowl marking their 20 year win with a special trophy. Now that is a celebration in which I would have loved to attend. Who can forget her removing her shirt 20 years ago after her making her left-footed penalty kick which gave them this momentous win. It all looks so tame after the constant political discourse from Ms. Rapinoe.
Brandi Chastain and her team are my heroes. She and the members refrained from making it about them and their politics. She has gone on to have an illustrious career as coach and sports commentator. I wish her much continued success.
11
@KMW
You missed your point. The question is would SHE have had Trump's ear? No way. He appears only interested in scoring points with his base, not in hearing any different viewpoints, as a true leader of all Americans could and would do. At the very lease could he be graceful and magnanimous in celebrating a great team victory without pushing his agenda of self-aggrandizement? Highly unlikely.
166
@KMW I had to laugh at your comment, he doesn't listen to his own advisors and you actually think he's going to listen to anything Ms. Rapinoe has to at? Ha. Really. His feelings have been hurt. You're funny.
145
@KMW
If you think there's any point in her talking to Trump or visiting the Trump White House, you just do not understand how to deal with narcissists. Long story short, there's no point in trying to talk to Trump.
88
There should be NO pride or cheers for the team. tossing the stars and stripes on the ground, cursing at the president. No they are not true representatives of the USA. They need to be greeted with boos and not cheers.
23
@Bill Cunnane BOOO Bill. YES, they are excellent true representatives of the USA.
74
@Bill Cunnane
Turnabout is fair play. Bone Spurs is no true representative of the office he holds. If I'm ever at one of his bund rallies I'll boo and hiss. And hope I make it out alive.
119
@Bill Cunnane - I was not crazy about the tea sipping gesture with England. These gals did a great job and won a soccer game. But other than than, I am not impressed with them at all.
7
Megan Rapinoe, too cool for the world, like the teammates she leads indulges in a lot of obnoxious behavior with an unneeded dose of tedious contemporary virtue signaling politics. She led a team of poor winners that was a study in immodesty; in the bout against England doing some insulting tea time gesture after scoring a goal, this in a match where poor England had a goal disqualified for being 1/2 inch offsides. A tedious bunch, soon to be forgotten.
22
@Edwin
This is exactly the kind of hate-filled sentiment fueled by the misanthrope Trump! that needs to be overcome!
55
@Edwin
These women soccer players are ruining the enjoyment of female sports.
They all joined the American national team, they won the championship. Why do they over-indulge in prolonged hyper-celebration of political perspectives?
So Sad ...
9
@Edwin
What a bitter and tedious post. Well said.
7
Unlike baseball, the nfl, basketball or hockey...
...these amazing ladies are WORLD CHAMPIONS
Well done to them all
120
Why is it all about Megan Rapinoe at every televised event? Who cares what she thinks about anything. She is always grabbing the spotlight. I would much prefer to hear from one of the other players. She doesn't give them a chance.
13
Shes the captain of the team and if you pay attention to the team, they seem to have no problem with (in fact they support) her speaking and positions. There is no dividing this team.
56
@KMW She's a team captain. She's earned that role.
37
It’s pretty rich for Trumpists to yell about attention-grabbers.
29
Joyful, positive, inclusive. Ms. Rapinoe is spot-on. Love more, hate less. And I love this team.
397
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Don’t let the White House tarnish your great experience!
85
@JRB
The W.H. couldn't tarnish the event for them. They've moved on from the mindless Twit battle.
("Twit" not "Twitter" intentional...)
6
@JRB
She has rejected the invite as it reflects the will of most or all of the team members.
She is more then a sports star now.
6
Right on! Congrats to the team! As for the haters, such as Piers Morgan and his Twitter conniption fit: sweethearts, you should try smiling morel!
43
Batala NY is amazing!!!!! What an awesome choice to celebrate the USWNT. Rock on, grrrrrls!
20
Such a thrill when the New York Times places this well-deserved tribute on the front page! I look at these young women, and I thank the Lord above for such positive passion. It is contagious. The glory is not for them, it is for our nation. These ladies are redirecting a victory toward that of equal rights, specifically for women who have for too long been treated as "the second sex." These young women are representative of the go-to and go-for attitude that use to be within the nature of our now faltering democracy. Good luck, ladies!
107
Last night on the Rachel Maddow show, Rapinoe joked that she was getting all kinds of suggestions about what to do next. Maddow asked her if she was running for president, and Rapinoe said her girlfriend (Olympic medalist & basketball hall of famer Sue Bird), told her to be careful not to say yes!
Rapinoe isn't actually old enough to run yet, but I think she'd have a better chance than some of the others already in the running!
8
They had their parade, now let them have their say about "equal pay" and "equal rights." Speaker Pelosi should invite the U.S. World Champion Women's Soccer Team to Congress. They represent the very best of America and how it's always been great with dedication, diversity and teamwork. They've earned a special place in America's heart in this dark era, and need to be given the podium in the "People's House" where the entire nation could honor them.
118
Earned respect and celebration is something the greedy republicans and their leader djt will never experience.
Money cannot by love, happiness or respect.
Congratulations to a superior team and performance on a job well done.
53
Nice celebration. Proud of NYC and the USWNT. Megan's words - "be better" - should be embraced by everyone.
49
Not sure about everyone, but I'm ready for Rapinoe to finish her "15 minutes."
26
@Aaron
I've watched the parade of male sports stars my whole damn life. Welcome to our parade now.
20
@Aaron: she's the best, got to where she is through talent and hard work, unlike another I won't mention here. She has earned her time in the spotlight.
11
You certainly don’t speak for “everyone”.
6
What a wonderful bunch of American ladies making their country proud and distinguished.
It took a female soccer team to finally Make America Great Again.
456
I absolutely love these women!
49
Bravo. Double bravo. Yes — transcendent. Thank you.
38
I absolutely admire the U.S Women’s Soccer Team for all they have accomplished. In particular, I have a great deal of respect for Megan Repoine for her athletic ability and for speaking her mind and her (spot-on) words she said at the podium about coming together. This is in stark contrast to her nemesis “the president” who since day one is trying to divide this great nation.
237
It is so exhausting to read messages from “haters”. Let’s be happy and let our children learn that perseverance and discipline give us the right to pride in a job well done. I am so amazed by the accomplishments of all the world teams, especially from nations that are not supportive of women...but really, who among us could run for so long, in a three dimensional game.....sadly not me, but watching others do it is so impressive.
70
As one who traveled to France to support the USWNT in the WWC, I would love to see them make progress and succeed with better compensation. But after reading several unbiased and detailed articles on this topic, I think the women need to seriously explain exactly what they want with regards to equal pay, and how it is financed.
The revenue comes from two non-profits, FIFA and the USSF. While the men bring in far more revenue in the WC, the women take home a bigger percentage cut. They bargained for the current pay structure with the USSF to keep the teetering NWSL afloat, which includes guaranteed salary and bonuses, while the men are only compensated via a 'pay for play' model. Do the research yourself...it's all there.
FIFA is global, so this lawsuit can influence them, but does really does not impact them. The USSF can offer better funding for training and other incidentals for the USWNT player pool outside of the current agreement. if the USSF offers bigger concessions (maybe by enforcement of Title IX), it may have no choice but to dip into the pool of money generated by the men.
The NWSL core fan base is young females and their parents, which has reached nearing its capacity for growth. They have no choice but to follow the lead of Europe's largest female teams (who realize there is a fan base beyond this core group) and broaden their appeal to other demographics. Please USWNT - do not alienate that critical demographic. You need them.
12
@PN In fact, I saw a report on the news last week that showed income from American women's pro soccer now exceeds that of the men's soccer. So if you're going by that standard, they should make more.
Or, the men could be put on the same base pay as the women, with an incentive system that increases their pay for winning things like the World Championship.
29
@PN
Please stop with your rebuke. I'm with Megan. If you're not behind equal pay however it is achieved you're not a part of the conversation anymore. There are billions of dollars being made either through commercialization or bribes. It's just a matter of spreading the wealth.
This isn't advice. It's a whole lot of baloney.
24
@Kathleen Warnock
May I recommend doing what I did and perform a thorough and impartial reading of the facts of the case? There are other newspapers in NYC and other publications of high regard that are publishing in-depth articles on this topic that may sway your opinion - which is what happened to me. I am unconvinced that the USWNT really want an equal compensation package that the USMNT receives (and for very valid reasons) and I question the benefits of a separate contracts and deals by USSF for marketing, broadcast rights, etc. improves the situation without really doing the work to be sure there is positive financial gain. Given the tenuous financial situation of the domestic women's league (NWSL), a refocus on strengthening the viability of the primary employer of US professional soccer players needs to be a high priority.
4
Celebrate! Congrats to the US World Cup winners! A parade and a winning team and the American spirit remains healthy.
43
In my lifetime, I did not think I would ever see a parade solely celebrating the achievements of capable women. Wish I were there!
353
@Mick ..and the effects of your snarky comment.
19
@Deb Paley
Mick's memory is not so good either because it was four years ago.
9
Megan Rapinoe is the mouthpiece for the conscience of the team. The USWNT have bravely and fearlessly taken the platform they have earned to voice their concerns about issues that are important not only to them but all women around the world. I wonder who on the team will step into that role once Megan is gone. It will be even more interesting to see what Megan does now that she has built all of this social capital. She has the potential to be a huge change catalyst. I hope that she seizes this moment and uses her influence to make our world a more equitable place and bring about lasting change.
115
@Tony
Just like BillyJean King and Serena Williams Megan and the Women's Soccer team will forever change the face of Women’s sports in the US. Young girls have real hero's to look up to. No longer do they need Disney or Marvel Comics for powerful inspiration!
What a great year for women & soccer!
More 2019 accomplishments: The United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, established in 1991, for the first time inducted two deserving female college coaches.
Colleen Hacker, Pacific Lutheran University, coached three NAIA championship teams and was national coach of the year three times.
Aliceann Wilber, still coaching at William Smith College, is the third most winning women’s college soccer coach of all time. She’s coached two Divison III national championship teams and has been named national coach of the year five times.
It would take pages to include all their accomplishments - and it’s fantastic to see women mentoring & coaching female players. We need more of them!
36
A great American team. Fearless, a little audacious, but always true. If their behavior bent a few people out of shape, that’s their problem. Like I said, this is an America team. We are proud of them.
252
@Honora: I think the people the team offends are offended by their political leanings rather than their behavior. This team gives our country something to be proud of in a desperately sad time.
22
@Honora
Look up straw argument. You have a good example on your hands.
2
I watched this many stories up and across from City Hall. It almost doesn’t matter what people think about soccer, this particular team, or their political and economic issues. The celebration of the American sports spirit by this event simply illustrates why New York City is the center of the world and yields a sense of patriotism that puts the pundits and politicians to shame. To experience this is to restore confidence that we will end up on our feet, and true to the hope of our founders, no matter the miscues along the way. Just like this team.
120
As an 84 year old enthusiastic fan and supporter of the USWNT for many seasons, wildly proud of their outstanding performance, I urge those responsible for salaries, promotion and proper recognition to address these issues in an expedient and appropriate manner. There is urgent need to reward these accomplished and successful women for their spirited achievements over the years and as role models for younger women and girls.
We cannot all be soccer players but can apply the same individual dedication and teamwork to whatever we do. GO WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!
172
@Julia-ditto your age and ditto your sentiments!Those of us who never dreamed of Title 9 can only marvel at famous female athletes!
21
what a wonderful, bright spot in a country/world cloaked in darkness these days. I'm hoping another global renaissance period will be dawning soon.
250
@JA
The world is an infinitely better place than when I was born in 1960. I’d like to know what you believe to be the years of the previous global renaissance.
5
@Shamrock,
we have certainly regressed in many ways from say the Reagan era and have gotten progressively polarized. there is no longer a collective sense of responsibility for the well-being of the nation as a whole- just individuals, their families and maybe a small community of like-minded people. that doesn't even take into account the newly emboldened racists and white nationalists.
even if I were well-to-do myself and could insulate myself and my family from any catastrophes, it would bring me no pleasure to see others suffer- whether it was their fault or not.
5