This was the first Mystics basketball game I attended and the first women sport I had to cover.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I got to the Verizon Center early as usual and in amazement, it was not many media folks there.  I was surprised because it was the Mystics home opener, Alana Beard and Crystal Langhorne were in the house.  Since the game was not televised, the people in the media probably did not think it was that important.  In my opinion, Washington’s sport media should take the Mystics more seriously because “The Ladies of D.C.” are important, too.

       
      The benefits of covering the Mystics are cool.  When the Wizards play, I have to sit higher up because the TV and newspaper guys and gals get the honor to sit closer to the floor.  That’s okay, they're  the top dawgs of the media world.  I will be there soon.  For the Mystics, however, I sit right behind the rim near the floor.  I felt important.  The Mystics locker room smells much better than the Wizards, all kinds of fragrances.  More women came to the game.  It felt like ladies night at the Love night club.  I never been to the club, but it is probably like that.

      
       Like other games, I was honored to be at the Mystics game.  All the players were nice and for the first time, I was taller than most of the athletes.  I’m not short dude, but next to Andrea Gardner, Howard’s own, I realized where I was. 

      
       I asked Coach Rollins a couple of questions and he was cool.  I was about to approach a couple of players for some questions, but I realized it was getting late.  There was a cookout at my house and I did not want to miss everyone.  I will talk to y’all later.

Written By Barry Barnes