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Jesse Owens
At Ohio State, Owens lived off-campus in "black-only" dorms. When he traveled with the team, Owens was limited to eating at restaurants and staying at "blacks-only" places. Before the Berlin games, Adidas founder Adi Dassler visited Owens and persuaded Owens to wear his shoes, the first sponsorship for a male African American athlete. Owens's success at the games caused dismay for Hitler, who wanted to resurrect Nazi Germany. In Germany, Owens was allowed to stay in the same hotels as whites. -
“We are Penn State”
During the 1946 season, the then-segregated University of Miami told Penn State to leave their black players at home. The team voted unanimously to cancel the game. The following season, the question rose again, with lineman Steve Suhey saying, "We are Penn State," adding that there would be no need for any more meetings of that kind. The entire 1947–48 team went on to play Southern Methodist University in the Cotton Bowl in a game that would become symbolic of desegregation in athletics. -
Jackie Robinson: Breaking the Colour Line in MLB
First African-American to play in the MLB in the modern era. His start at first base in 1974 symbolizes breaking the “colour line” in baseball. Phillies players and manager Ben Chapman told Robinson he should “go back to the cotton fields.” However, Robinson responded to this hatred with nonviolence and his performance ability. His efforts and accomplishments allowed black and white Americans to be more respectful, open to one another, and appreciative of each other’s abilities. -
Jane Chastain: First Female Broadcaster
First female broadcaster began her career in 1963 when she heard that WAGA-TV (Atlanta) wanted a young girl to play the part of a football coach and make weekly predictions. Was initially seen as a gimmick but broke many sports journalistic barriers. In 1967 she became the first female on a National Baseball League playing field. Made it big with a contract with CBS which helped pioneer the way for female sports broadcasters. Unfortunately, she was mistreated and was released after one year. -
Title IX of the Education Amendments
Men and women should have equal access to the pursuit of education, which encompasses sports. Prohibits sex-based discrimination. Alexander v. Yale: First use of Title IX to argue and establish sexual harassment of female students can be considered sex discrimination. Yale Women's Crew Protests: noteworthy event that help enforce Title IX legislation. Yale treated the women's Varsity crew team more as an intramural program than a Varsity program in comparison to their male counterpart. -
Billie Jean King
A constant advocate for gender equity in sports and one of the pioneers for equality and social justice. Her win at the “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs empowered women across the nation in fighting for equitable rights. Founded the Women’s Sports Foundation with the mission statement, "To advance the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity.” It provides female athletes with resources and support as they continue to advocate and educate. -
First Women in Olympics Sports
1900 Games of Paris, 22 women competed in five sports: tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrianism, and golf. The IOC was committed to gender equality in sports. Starting in 1991, any new sport seeking to join the Olympic games must have a women’s competition. In 2012, with the addition of women’s boxing, the London Summer games were the first to have women compete in all competing sports. -
Holly Rowe joins ESPN
In 1998 Rowe joined ESPN full-time, shattering the stereotype that female sports reporters must be petite and have sex appeal. Fans questioned her credibility because of her size and lack of sex appeal. However, this did not stop Rowe as she was nominated for an Emmy in 2015 for Outstanding Sports Personality. With ESPN, Rowe is the lead sideline reporter for ESPN. Rowe has continued the work of Chastain, paving the way for any female to become a lead sideline reporter. -
NBA's Donald Sterling Incident
Sterling, former Los Angeles Clippers owner, had racist beliefs recorded by his ex-girlfriend. The beliefs stemmed from Sterling’s ex-girlfriend associating with black people and bringing them to Clippers games. Sterling was banned from the NBA for life, fined $2.5 million, and forced to sell the team. Sterling’s incident is referenced against Phoenix Suns and Mercury’s owner Robert Sarver. This may not be the only time Sterling’s incident will be used as reference for the NBA. -
NCAA's Gender Inequity in National Championships
Disparity between men’s and women’s equipment and facilities space. Pictures show women’s having a small room to train while men’s had an entire gym. Disparity continued with criticism from the WCWS. Similarly, compared to counterparts, there was a lack of amenities, equipment, and opportunities for the WCWS. Issues with brackets, game times, and overall lack of days off. Question of miscommunication, lack of communication, or overall care for women’s tournaments and championships by the NCAA
