Rapinoe's Advice: Skip Media, Embrace Fines

Retired soccer star Megan Rapinoe has publicly supported WNBA player Angel Reese's inclination to forgo media sessions and incur fines. Rapinoe suggested on her podcast that athletes, including Reese, should feel empowered to decline interviews that feel confrontational, framing it as a move to 'take back power' and 'protect their peace'.

Reese has indicated she would rather pay fines than engage with reporters whose narratives she feels misrepresent her. Rapinoe lauded this as a potential model for athletes, particularly women in sports, to challenge prevailing media expectations and demand a higher standard of journalism. However, the article points out that media availability is crucial for building athlete brands and growing sports leagues, questioning the long-term impact of such a strategy on fan engagement and league development.