WUSA Clarifies Comments about Playboy.com
Published on June 3, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
ATLANTA (Monday, June 3, 2002) - Women's United Soccer Association President and CEO Lynn Morgan would like to clarify recent comments that have appeared in many media outlets regarding a proposed WUSA player poll on Playboy.com.
A misquote of Morgan that appeared in a May 5 story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has created some concerns among WUSA fans and other constituents.
The Journal-Constitution's story, which appeared in the sports section and was later picked up by other media outlets, concerned a potential Playboy.com poll asking which WUSA athletes fans would like to see pose nude for the magazine. Morgan's accurate quote was, "If they wanted to do a poll, we wouldn't be opposed to something that would show off our players." Unfortunately, the reporter quoted Morgan as saying, "If they wanted to do a [center] fold, we wouldn't be opposed to something that would show off our players."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution sent Morgan a letter on May 8 acknowledging the misunderstanding. The letter is on file at the WUSA league office.
"The misquote was innocent on the part of the reporter," Morgan said. "We were willing to forget about it, but we felt we needed to address it publicly after the league received many questions from fans, media and sponsors."
Although the WUSA realizes that Playboy.com can conduct a poll with or without the league's consent, the proposed poll clearly does not coincide with the ideals and image of the professional soccer league.
"We're proud of the fact that the WUSA has role models for all young aspiring athletes to emulate," Morgan said. "We certainly believe that our players represent a high moral standard and are not concerned with any potential overtures from Playboy.com."
In addition, a story that appeared on the wire service SportsTicker on May 11 stated, "WUSA players quietly are being encouraged to pose should they win."
"With the exception of Julie Foudy and Carla Overbeck who sit on the WUSA's Board of Directors, the staff at the league office has not had any discussions with any players regarding a Playboy.com poll," Morgan added. "It is an individual's decision as to whether or not to participate in a photo shoot for any media outlet."
Featuring the best women's soccer players in the world, the eight WUSA teams are the Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Carolina Courage, New York Power, Philadelphia Charge, San Diego Spirit, San Jose CyberRays and the Washington Freedom.
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- Beat Extends Winning Streak Looks for Fourth Straight in New York - Atlanta Beat
- WUSA Clarifies Comments about Playboy.com - WUSA
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