Thank you EA Sports I think

1996 the WNBA stated and I was 15 years old. Basketball was not a sport I played but a sport I loved. So when the WNBA rolled around I was happy. From the very first game between the Liberty and the Sparks I was all in. Here we are September 16, 2017 and I am still a fan of the WNBA.

Something special happened on September 15, 2017. EA Sports released NBA LIVE 18 and it featured all 12 teams of the WNBA. Of course I had to have it. Now before we get to far let me address two things. Thing one: I am not a video game player. Thing two: this is not a review of game play for NBA LIVE 18. 

This is a delicate situation that I know is a potential catch-22. Be grateful for something and at the same time have strong criticism for the same thing. With tax I spent $64.82 purchasing NBA LIVE 18 on yesterday because that's just how passionate I am about the league. Again I am not a video person unless it's Pac-man, Super Mario Bros or Mario Party for the Wii. I knew I wouldn't be good at playing this game but that didn't matter. So I open my brand new packaged video game and I turn on the ps4 I borrowed from my nephew. Pop in the disc and like a kid at Christmas anxiously wait for the game to load. All seemed well in the beginning. I got more excited because some players who had been traded to other teams, were still showing up on their original team. Great for me because my favorite player was still on the home team. 

So as I embark on playing this game I notice something that just didn't seem right. Something that just seemed rushed or not well thought out. Something that seemed blatant and disrespectful. The images of the WNBA players were not remotely accurate. Players like recently named MVP Sylvia Fowles. This ain't the Sylvia I know. Yes I know this a video game!
Well I kept playing then I see Seimone Augustus image and I am appalled at this FAILED attempt. 

NOW I AM UPSET And I'm upset with not just EA SPORTS but also with the WNBA. Why was this version of your product something that you felt okay with releasing? The NBA players aren't like this. Why is it that the women didn't get very much attention to detail? Then we have Maya Moore who they actually did a good job on. 

So what happened with the previous 2? Or what happened with this one? This is NOT Karima Christmas-Kelly like y'all want us to believe EA SPORTS. 

So why am I bothered by this you are probably wondering. Well I'm bothered by this because it feels that you all rushed to get a product out just for the sake of saying you did something. And maybe you EA SPORTS feel like we the consumer should not complain over something that is "ground-breaking" I THINK NOT. These woman who are included in your video are in an elite group of athletes! They are amazing competitors, woman and human beings. Their sport is no different than their male counterparts. However for some reason you EA SPORTS felt like you didn't need to invest much time into getting the WNBA players likeness portrayed better. I question you also Lisa Borders and the WNBA on why you let this product go out knowing these images were disrespectful. Of course no one expects to see the exact replica but can we come close. I didn't even post half the ones that I could have. Check my Twitter page tingram10 for more photos. 

I WONDER EA SPORTS...Did you all need a person in the image scanning department or in the coding room with better skills? Did you need another person who would do quality control over the images? Where was the breakdown of communication at? Who is responsible for this final product? I don't know a thing about this technology but if you EA SPORTS need me to I will gladly come and try my hand at giving these WNBA players the respect they deserve visually. I will invest my time and energy into learning how to use that technology. Then I will start executing what I learned to correct these images. All you have to do is call me and cut the check EA SPORTS. Know this! I don't want my $64.82 back. Nope because I will keep playing this game. I want equal treatment of all the images in your game. I want the product that you put out to truly represent the 144 women who play in the WNBA. This should not be the product! DO BETTER 

 

https://mobile.twitter.com/TIngram10

Chicago Sky rookie J. Faulkner Q&A session

I been gone for a minute but I promise you I am back. Life got a little crazy but thing are finally slowing down and I can focus on the things I love.  Basketball is one of the things I love but to be more specific the WNBA. My goal is to give you all at least 2 blogs per month during the season. I've enlisted some help this time around from lovers of the league(WNBA), fashion bloggers, Chicago Sky fans (Section 110) and other guest bloggers. 

As we (WNBA fans) prepare for the upcoming season I have the privilege of opening my blog with a feature from Sherron Shabazz. Sherron Shabazz is a freelance writer with an intense passion for Hip-Hop culture and professional basketball. Sherron frequently shares his opinions as a contributor to Examiner.com, HipHopDX, Yahoo Sports, SLAMonline, and The Real Hip-Hop.com. It is funny how the world works and especially funny how small the world of the WNBA. Sherron and I met via social media then we seen each other at a Chicago Sky game and I have been following him every since @SherronShabazz  He has gifted me with this Q&A session with Jay Faulkner (whom I call Lil Mississippi simply because she is tiny and that's where she went to school). Enjoy...

Chicago Sky 2014 third round pick Jamierra Faulkner

by @SherronShabazz

Over the last couple of seasons one glaring hole in the Chicago Sky’s roster has been the back-up point guard spot. In 2012 Ticha Penicherio was brought in to back up Courtney Vandersloot, but the league’s all-time best passer had seen better days and battled injuries all season long. In 2013 Sharnee Zoll-Norman was signed and between a thumb injury and inconsistent shooting, she never quite worked out.

Head Coach and General Manger Pokey Chatman’s goal was to find the perfect back-up for Sloot. The team signed Nebraska’s Yvonne Turner and Oklahoma’s Aaryn Ellenberg to training camp contracts. The team also drafted Southern Mississippi’s Jamierra Faulkner with the 34^th overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft.

The 5’6” Faulkner averaged 17.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 8.4 assists per game during her senior season at Southern Mississippi. Faulkner’s 8.4 dimes a game was the best in Division I basketball. Her three steals per game was fifth best in the NCAA. The scrappy point guard seems to be Pokey’s kind of player.

In her first preseason game Faulkner led the Sky in scoring (11 points) and assists (5) in a 73-66 win over the Indiana Fever.

Royal Abstract spoke to Jamierra Faulkner about her first WNBA training camp, the battle for the back-up point guard position, and being drafted by the Chicago Sky.

Q: How has training camp been so far?

Jamierra Faulkner: It’s been real intense. It’s a big change from college. A lot of early morning workouts. We do about two workouts and then we have practice. Just a really intense change I would say.

Q: What exactly is the change?

JF: Well the type of workouts we do is a bit different and we go up and down more often than I did in college.

Q: Did you have any idea on draft night that Chicago was interested in you?

JF: I did. I had an idea that they were interested in me but I didn’t know who was going to pick me or if I was going to get picked at all.

Q: So how did you feel when you heard your name called?

JF: I was excited but it didn’t show. I was more in shock. I didn’t go crazy. I was actually at my head coach’s house watching it and she was just flipping out! I was excited but I was more in shock.

Q: What advice have the veterans given you so far?

JF: Just to be aggressive. T. Young always tells me to be aggressive and stay focused. She even noticed that when I’m focused I can accomplish a lot when I’m on the court.

Q: Has Coach Chatman told you what she needs from you specifically on the court?

JF: Yeah, she said I need to talk more, sit down with her one-on-one, watch extra film, and get up extra shots.

Q: The team desperately needs a backup point guard, has the battle for that position been tough in practice?

JF: Yes, we have two other really good point guards, Aaryn [Ellenberg] and Yvonne [Turner]. It’s just a matter of who wants it the most.

Q: Who wants it the most?

JF: I want it the most but we’ll just have to see.

Q: What part of your game do you feel needs the most work?

JF: Change of speed. I’m usually 100 mph all the way but at this level you have to be able to change your pace.

Q: What’s the best part of your game?

JF: I would say my vision on the court and my defense.

Q: What do you bring to the team overall?

JF: I believe I bring defense.

Cheryl Ford answers a few questions

Here we are again. On the verge of entering a new year. What better way to end the 2012 year with a Q&A session with one of my favorite women ball players of all time, Cheryl "Ms Double Double" Ford. 

Cheryl is currently playing over in Turkey for Canik Belediyesi or #Canik for short. This season she is averaging 12.9 points and 14.2 rebounds. Just as the saying goes NUMBERS DON'T LIE #POW

Enough of that, lets get to the point of this blog post.

*questions were answered 12-28-12*

Q: Tell your fans/supporters where you are now and how the season is going thus far?

A: Hello all, I am currently in Samsun, Turkey playing for a first division team called Canik! We are currently 5/6. * as on 12-31-12 Canik is 6/6*

Q: How important is it for you to do well this season (individually and as a team)?

A: Well I don't usually worry about my individual stats as long as we as a team is winning, I am happy. As a team we need to make the playoffs being this is the teams first season in division 1. 

Q: What is something that not many people know about you?

A: A lot of people don't know that I have a twin brother.

Q: If you could pick any place in the world to travel to that you have not been, where would you go?

A: Uh Oh, I have a few places I would love to travel to! Places like: Dubai, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands and Key West.

Q: How was it playing soccer during one of your practices and was that the first time you ever played?

A: It was my first time and it was great and so much fun! I did pretty damn good as a goalie :)

Q: Are you hoping that 2013 will be the year that you return to the WNBA?

A: I go back and forth with my thoughts about returning to the W! I just pray and ask God to guide me in the right direction with this decision. 

Q: So with that question I have to say. There is a speculation about you reuniting with Bill in New York. What do you have to say about that?

A: What do I have to say about that??? All I can say about that is he has contacted my agent about it and you guys will just have to wait and see ;)

* I guess time will tell. As many of you know I would love to see Cheryl in a Chicago Sky uniform but I won't be that selfish. As long as she playing that is all that matters to this fan.*

Q: This summer you got the chance to participate in the American Diabetes Association Step Out walk. How was that experience and how important is that cause for you?

A: The experience was great for me! #TeamFord and the American Diabetes Association did an amazing job organizing the event! The cause is very important to me because my grandfather passed away due to complications of diabetes. I also have a sister and grandmother who have diabetes so this cause is near and dear to my heart.

Q: Besides basketball what do you see yourself doing in the next 3-5 years?

A: Owning my own business.

Q: If you had to describe yourself in a tweet (140 characters), what would you say:

A: I'm a loving and caring daughter, sister and friend I have an extremely huge heart and I will give the last to whomever need it and I have it!

Q: Have you done any shopping over in Turkey?

A: No. No shopping in Turkey usually I do a lot of online shopping.

Q: Finish this sentence. I am so glad they have ______ in Turkey.

A: I am so glad they have snickers in Turkey.

Q: Has Cheryl found love?

A: No Cheryl has not found love yet. Believe it or not I am still single. 

Q: What can we expect from Cheryl in the near future? 

A: No we will just have to wait and see. I can not predict the future and I am just living one day at a time. 

Well I tried folks but she is not cracking :(

Q: If you could not fail, what adventure/activity would you do?

A: I never thought about this! Let me ponder this one... we'll be sure to get an answer to this soon

Last question for you Cheryl

Q: What is your favorite quote/saying?

A: What I've kept I've lost forever! I say that every time I step on the court. 

Again I have to thank Cheryl for her time and thank you all for reading. As we enter 2013 I can wait to see what God has in store for Cheryl. 

Peace and blessings all.

#TeamFord #TopFlight

Part 2 Q&A with The Brain

As promised part 2 of the Pinky and The Brain Q&A session. It was certainly a lot of fun doing this and I am so thankful to both Tamera and Piph for taking time out their day to do this. 

Epiphanny was nothing short of amazing this year and with her first major injury this past season she was still amazing. For those that don't know her or never got the chance to say hello her I will tell you that she is a truly humble and sweet person. I know for a fact that she would never toot her own horn so I will do it a little bit TOOT TOOT.

Okay here it is:

Q: Which pair of Jordan's are your favorite?
A: The Superman J's that were designed by a cancer patient. 

Q: Who is your favorite player to play against?
A: DT because she is my favorite player and I want to be able to say I beat her. I just admire her work ethic and will to win. 

Q: What is your favorite item of clothing?
A: My favorite item of clothing right now would be my Givenchy sweatshirts.

Q: What did going overseas early do for you as a person?
A: Going overseas early made me mature. I was always a hone body. One of the reasons I chose Rutgers was because it was close to home and whenever I got homesick I just went home. So going overseas gave me a chance to live on my own and depend on myself.

Q: Where did Pinky and The Brain come from?
A: LOL Pinky and The Brain is a cartoon I use to watch growing up. It is about 2 mice who are trying to take over the world but really just get themselves in trouble a lot. So if you ever saw the cartoon, 1 mouse is tall with big ears. That's clearly Tamera. The other one is short with a big head. That would be me LOL. Tam and I are really close and we are always getting into something LOL. So we started saying that we were Pinky and The Brain ready to take over the world LOL. 
* as a side note get your Tamera&Piph Pinky and The Brain shirts here http://403653.spreadshirt.com *

Q: Who is the toughest team to play against?
A: I will say Indiana Fever (Indy). Their aggressiveness and it does not matter what they are doing they do it hard.

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Right now I would have to say Mexican Food because I never get it tired of it. I also never get tired of eating the salmon, mashed potatoes and zucchini with mushrooms that Ticha makes *wink*

Q: What has having Coach Pokey done for you as a player?
A: Having Pokey as a coach has meant a lot to me. I feel she gave me my chance! She's always teaching me and NEVER lets me off the hook. She knows me as a player and puts me in the right situations. Plus on top of that she is real cool for an old lady LOL HA!

Q: What is the funniest prank you have played on a teammate?
A: LOL idk. There are a lot. But one that stands out to me is when I told Syl(Sylvia Fowles) that Pokey traded me. LOL when she found out I was playing with her she didn't talk to me for a month and she deleted me from her BBM. 

Q: What is the song you have been keeping on repeat?
A: The current song I can't take off repeat is After the Hurricane by Jasmine Sullivan. Don't ask me why LOL, I just keep listening to it. 

Q: Who would your starting 5 be if you had to pick from any players past or present?
A: That's a tough one because there are so many greats. I don't know but I know Taurasi will be one of them.

Q: Pick one: 1 month wearing the same shoes or 1 month wearing the same color?
A: LOL definitely 1 month wearing the same color because I am a sneakerhead and would never be able to wear just 1 pair of shoes. (FACT)

Q: New York vs Chicago, which one and why? LOL (of course I knew the answer to this)
A: New York of COURSE. I love the Chi but NY will always be home. It's just something about that place!

Q: Do you believe in 1 true love or having many loves?
A: I believe in 1 true love.

Q: As you think back on it, how difficult was it to score 113 points? What was your first thought after that game ended?
A: Thinking back on scoring 113 points, it wasn't easy but it wasn't difficult either. During my high school career I would get criticized about playing down to my competition  I had a talk with my coach Apache Paschal (RIP) who I respect and trust. He told me that if I could score 50 points then score 50 points. So I went to my next high schools game focused. I ended up with 39 points in the 1st quarter and 54 at the half, Usually I wouldn't play anymore but my coach decided to keep me in. So I played and was able to score 113 points, I didn't really give it much thought after the game because it didn't hit me yet. I remember it like ti was yesterday though. I was trying to get to the Rutgers St. John game. It wasn't until days later that I realized what i did. For me it was overwhelming because of the media attention I got. (HOW GREAT IS HER ANSWER, LOVE IT)

LOOK AT THE FORM

Again I want to say thank you to Tamera and Piph for being good sports about this Q&A. I hope everyone enjoyed it. I look forward to both of these ladies being in Chicago for the 2013 season (yeah I said it Coach).

The Pinky Q&A

So as many of you know I am a serious fan of the WNBA and have been since the inception of the league. Well on occasions I get to chat with some ladies from the league whom I consider pretty awesome lades.

Seeing that I am in Chi City AKA Chicago I get the privilege of having a WNBA near me. Beyond that I get to connect with some of the Chicago Sky players. There are 2 individuals that I am a real fan of and that is Tamera Young and Epiphanny Prince. Some of you know them as Pinky and The Brain. I support them 100% and I love having them in Chicago AT THE SAME **** TIME. Take that how you will, I know how I meant it. If you are a fan of these ladies like me then I'm sure you would love this T-Shirt site http://403653.spreadshirt.com/ check it out. Anyway.

How cool is it that I got the chance to do a Q&A session with them? SUPER COOL. I know my sentiments exactly.

Tamera aka Pinky is up first and let me tell you, I love her Swagger. She is cool as the other side of the pillow and very humble as well. *waiting for me check in the mail* LOL

I tried to combine some basketball related and nonbasketball related questions but these ladies are certainly more than just ball players.

Q: What is your favorite food and favorite drink? 
A: Pasta and  Apple Juice or Strawberry Lemonade
Q:Which Jordan's are the best and why?
A: Retro 11. They are always limited and the patent leather on them makes them official.
Q: 3 words to describe your game the first half of this season and 3 words to
 describe the second half?
A: First Half = Confidant and Comfortable/ Second Half = Unsure/Hesitant
Q:  Where did Pinky and the Brain come from? And what has that relationship
 meant to you?
A: Pinky and The Brain came from Piph saying that is us because she's short with a big head and I am tall with big ears... The relationship is a good friendship bond between me and Piph..
Q: If not playing basketball what would Tamera be doing?
A: Coaching
Q: If you had to pick, 1 month wearing the same color or 1 month
without shopping which one would you choose and why?
A: Wearing that same color and I would wear Black because I like to change my shoes and I can wear different shoes with black clothing and make it pop still....(spoken like a shopaholic)
Q: Who is your favorite person to guard?
A:  I love to defend DT because she makes a shot even with my hand in her face. I love defending Cappie the most though.
*bonus information* Tamera states: I wish I could play the whole game and guard the leading scorers and see what I can hold them to because it seems like they score the most when I am on the bench.
Q: Excluding shopping, what is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
A: Eating Out (I love this answer because Chicago has great food)
Q: What is one aspect of your game that you want to work on for next season?
A: My 3 point shooting
Q: How many tats do you have and what was your very first one?
A: About sixty. The first tattoo I had was me and my siblings initials
Q: If you could pick and all star team of just 5 players who has played in the
 WNBA at one point who would they be?
A: I don't want to do current, so I'm going old school.... Theresa Weatherspoon, Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoops, Tina Thompson, Lisa Leslie (GREAT ANSWER AND GREAT STARTING 5)
Q: Current song you can't take off repeat?
A: Beyonce = Schooling Life
Q: What is your favorite movie and why?
A: Love and Basketball because living life as a pro basketball player and growing up playing I can relive the movie
Q: Give me 3 words to describe who Tamera is?
A: Determined, Independent, Ambitious
Q: The best piece of advice someone ever gave you is what?
A: If you want something done and you can do it yourself; do it!

Thanks Tamera

Well that is all the time we have for this session of question and answer for Tamera aka Pinky.
Check back later for the Q&A with Epiphanny aka The Brain 

Another year has arrived

No, it's not New Years but it is my birthday. So another has arrived and I welcome it with open arms. I had a pretty amazing year last year and I look forward to how awesome this year will be.

My motto this year is this: There is nothing God can't do and since I am a child of God I will have a Can Do attitude.

I will strive each and every day to live just like that. My latter will be greater than my former and it is already blessed.

What motto do you live by?

Tonette

TeamFord stepping out for the ADA

I know it has been forever and a day since I updated this blog but let me tell you life has truly gotten in the way. I am breaking my blog silence to tell you all about this amazing event I was able to participate in.

For those who don't know I Tonette am HUGE fan of the WNBA and therefore I have a few players who over the years I have grown to love. So it is no surprise when I say Cheryl Ford is my favorite player (AKA Boss Lady). I was fortunate enough to go from simply a fan of this amazing ball player to a friend. Through various conversations I had with Cheryl I was able to find out that she is really passionate about giving back. Bonus, an athlete who understands the importance of giving back. I digress. So it was decided that Cheryl wanted to get involved with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which was cool with me because I have many family members who are and were affected by the disease including my mother. So my mission was to find something that Cheryl could participate in while she was back in the states for summer 2012. Well as luck would have it I found the ADA 2012 Step Out Walk.

So when I told Cheryl about this 5k walk, she was immediately in and now we needed to put a team together. We set a goal of getting at least 10 walkers and to raise $1500. The journey about 3 months prior to the walk date which was Sept 29, 2012 in Atlanta, GA and within those 3 months I am happy to say we surpassed both goals.

 

 

Here is a picture of some of us, there were a couple more and one behind the camera. The walk took place at Grant Park in Atlanta and was a 5k (which I ain't even walk miles miles in life).

*As a cool side note I had ordered me a shirt as seen the photo above however my shirt did not arrive on time. Boss Lady (Cheryl) was nice enough to give me one of the extra ones that she had purchased. See that's why I heart her. *

The walk was great and we all had kind of a bonding moment during it, even though a few of us shorter legged people got left behind a few times LOL.

And we are off                                                  

                                 And we are walking

 

As I said the walk was a 5k which means 3.2 miles and let me tell you when you factor in those hills I am sure it was more than that. At least it felt that way to me, I really need to work out more.

 At this point the hill got to be too much for me but TEAMFORD was up there by that yellow sign walking their tails off. It took about 1 hour and 15 mins to complete the walk but it was enjoyable.

We even had cheerleaders encouraging us  

    

 

We finished and it felt good to say not only did we help raise money and awareness but we each got a little exercise in the process. This is something that all can do and I look forward to the next event as part of TEAMFORD.

One cool thing that happened was Cheryl Ford became a Champion, for raising over $1000 she was awarded a TShirt, Gold Medal and breakfast

 4x Champ

 Please now refer to her as ADA Gold Medalist Cheryl Ford

 

Special thanks to all the TeamFord walkers and those who supported us near and far. I hope we can do it again.

 

          After it was over

 

Please visit www.diabetes.org to find out how you can help. Also visit the STEP OUT page to find out what event is in your area http://stepout.diabetes.org