Unapologetically Diana Taurasi: 3 Ways The Star Thrives On Controversy
Originally published May 7, 2024
There are many ways female basketball players shape their reputations. How they interact with their teammates and the media, their attitude on and off the court, how they play the game and more contribute to fans’ narrative about a player. Some players thrive on letting their talent speak for itself. They don’t engage in the drama and narratives the media creates. Others have made a name for themselves through controversy and ruffling a few feathers here and there. There isn’t a right approach to making a name for yourself as an athlete, but it’s important to know the things you do can have permanent effects.
Diana Taurasi is a great example of someone who thrives on a career in controversy. Some people love her, some people hate her. She doesn’t seem to care either way. Here are 3 ways Taurasi has crafted her image as an athlete.
Stats On The Court
Since the beginning of her WNBA career in 2004, Taurasi has made it known that she is a talented force to be reckoned with. She has won many awards including 10 WNBA All-Star appearances, a WNBA finals MVP and three WNBA championships. She is the WNBA all-time leading scorer and is one of the best shooters in WNBA history.
Needless to say, her reputation is positively affected by her ability to win and play the game. She is a very smart and talented athlete who will go down in history as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time.
2. “Unapologetic Demeanor”
Taurasi is known for her frequent on-court trash talk and ability to get into her opponent’s heads. WNBA player Kelsey Plum talks about Taurasi’s game in this video saying “She’s an asshole,” but Plum loves her “swagger and her unapologetic demeanor.”
DT doesn’t let up easy buckets. Kelsey Plum shows respect for the legend Diana Taurasi. New episode with Kelsey Plum just dropped on our YouTube. #wnba #basketball #dianataurasi #kelseyplum #allthesmoke #showtimebasketball
Kelsey Plum talks about Diana Taurasi in a TikTok by All The Smoke Productions.
This is a prime example of how her play makes some people angry but also makes her great.
Her talk off the court is just as controversial at times. She recently got into some trouble with Caitlin Clark fans over a statement she made about the newcomers in the WNBA.
And I HATE how the media ran with this quote and made it look like Diana Taurasi was hating on Caitlin Clark. Here's the real clip. How is this controversial? https://t.co/21JxAW44Cd pic.twitter.com/QhBw0dJp3P
— Dman (@DmanUnt2014) April 7, 2024
Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi talk to Scott Van Pelt about WNBA newcomers.
Her comments about how it’s going to be a whole new experience playing in the WNBA versus college offended some of Clark’s fans. Although I don’t personally see this as an attack on Clark, it’s a great example of how Taurasi crafted her reputation as someone who speaks her mind. This is one of my favorite things about her as a player but again, it does make her image controversial.
3. Philanthropy
Taurasi has been involved with many philanthropic efforts throughout her career. She’s donated to causes supporting LGBTQ+ rights, mentorship programs, basketball clinics and much more.
She is heavily involved with an organization called KaBOOM! which, according to this article, brings “balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids, particularly those growing up in poverty in America.” Taurasi has partnered with the organization to sell autographed merchandise with 100% of the proceeds going towards KaBOOM! Along with this, she’s hosted fundraising events and made donations to create the KaBOOM! playground in Connecticut, where she played college basketball. Her reputation as a philanthropist is an extremely positive side of her image. Giving back to the fans and the city that supports you as an athlete always has a positive outcome.
These are only a few of the many aspects that have affected Taurasi’s reputation. There is no denying that she is one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. Having a little controversy in your career can be good, and Taurasi is living proof.
Featured Image Credit: “Diana Taurasi” by Lorie Shaull is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.