If one of your star players is married to a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, it might help to be able to identify her jersey. On February 27, the Boston Celtics shared photos of their players entering the arena for a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Jrue Holiday, a two-time All-Star and husband of women’s soccer star Lauren Holiday, was seen wearing his wife’s No. 12 USWNT jersey. However, the Celtics mistakenly referred to it as the USMNT jersey in their social media post.
USWNT striker Alex Morgan quickly corrected the error, highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting the women's national team. This incident sheds light on the broader issue of gender equity in sports, particularly in terms of pay and recognition.
The USWNT has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports, leading to significant legal battles and policy changes. The Equal Pay for Team USA Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022, aimed to ensure equal pay and treatment for both the men's and women's national teams.
While the Celtics' mistake may seem minor, it reflects a larger societal tendency to prioritize men's sports over women's. Such oversights contribute to the persistence of gender disparities in sports, including pay differentials, resource allocation, and media coverage.
Despite the online corrections from fans and players, the Celtics have yet to rectify their error. The focus has shifted to the team's on-court success, with a notable ninth consecutive win in their recent game.
