Football Has A Sexier Side

Even if you're not a fan of football you probably tuned into the Superbowl last night, either for the commercials or to keep a fan company. For the last few years more and more people (mostly men) have been tuning out, however, during the traditional Superbowl halftime show. An event called the Lingerie Bowl has been gaining popularity and has reported a more than 40 million viewership.

A recent article from CBS News reports about the event that has found its fans over the last few years. The Lingerie Bowl started out as a pay-per-view diversion to the half-time show, but quickly formed into an entire league with ten teams that actually play full games. Founder of the lingerie football league, Commissioner Mitch Mortaza explains what they look for when scouting women to join their teams. Mortaza tells CBS News, "There's three things we look for in LFL athletes, first and foremost you have to be beautiful. We have to be able to market you, which means you have to be in shape. And then you have to be confident. To play in your underwear in front of millions, there's got to be a level of confidence. And then you have to be athletic."

If viewers who tune in are expecting to see a bunch of beautiful women running around aimlessly, bumping into each other on the field, they may be shocked to see these women actually know what they're doing and do it quite well, wearing nothing but bras and underwear in 12 degree weather at times. One head coach, KeithHac, used to coach men on a Chicago team but made the switch to the LFL a few years ago. Hac recently explained to the Post Tribune how talented the women players actually are. Hac says, "They're really good football players. You got girls out there that throw 40-yard passes, girls that make acrobatic catches. Our team is drilled extensively on the fundamentals; these girls know how to tackle, block, run." Hac goes on to explain that most of the players actually come from athletic backgrounds and played various sports at college level.

Many may criticize the way the LFL objectifies women and say it is disappointing that players have to put on revealing outfits in order to get recognized in the world of women's football. But some of the players would probably disagree. Summer LaViolette, a defensive end on team Bliss, explains why she plays. LaViolette says, "I think it's very empowering for women to be sexy and tough. We get turf burns, we might have a little wardrobe malfunction, but it's all about football."

What do you think of the Lingerie Football League?

Do you think this is a good way for real female athletes to get recognized or does it have more to do with the blatant exploitation of women?

By cybrown551
02.24.10

I guess they play in high heel shoes too. I think that it is very tacky and it is nothing more than soft porn. It is an exploitation of women. If these women wanted to play sports and if they were any good, then they can play with clothes on.
By starrynight415
02.22.10

If these women truly wanted to be recognized for their talent and love of the game, they wouldn't sign up to play in lingerie...instead they would form their own league that would eventually get noticed for their athletic ability. If you notice what the LFL Commissioner said in order to become a player, you have to be "beautiful" first, "in shape" second, "confidence" third, and "athletic" last. So, what are these women being recognized for exactly? Athletic ability is certainly not first. Seems to me they should be applauded for bending over in underwear on television, nothing more. I'm all for women doing the things that men do just as well or better, but this isn't a step in that direction. I'm sure some would say that if you have to play in undies to get people to watch the game, so what? But let's start recognizing these girls for their abilities and love of the game...not their bra size and willingness to endure a "wardrobe malfunction". Barf.
By bdesarro
02.16.10

I think it is amazing! Why can't woman play a crazy fun sport and feel sexy at the same time? Who doesn't want some guy looking at them and thinking they are attractive. It's not objectifying women if the women are lining up to be apart of this. It's not like somebody is saying 'You are playing football and wearing this outfit, i don't care what you say!'. If you don't like it, don't watch it or don't be involved. If you do, perfect! If you have a love of football and have a killer body to roll around in something so tiny, work it!
By CaliJulz
02.10.10

No thanks! we do not approve.
By LISA2699
02.10.10

Well, this is just ridiculous. I can't imagine why anyone would think that it is safe to play football half naked though. There is a reason men wear pads! Turf burns are a small part of it. I have never played a sport because I have the coordination of a toddler, so I don't know what it is like to really want to get out there and play and not have an outlet. It must be really tough. I am sure that there are some good natured women who are out there for the love of the game, but it has to sting a little when you read an article like this and see that the number one criteria isn't athleticism, but a pretty face and a marketable body.
By idahospud
02.09.10

Why dont we have a mens football team with them only wearing a cup??? OH, I forgot ,we couldn't do that.We can only exploit womens bodies.
By 12rncrandall
02.09.10

I like what that woman had to say!
By stefaniek99
02.08.10

Of course it's ridiculous. But there's a reason why people don't generally watch women's sports. Women can't (usually) dunk or make the types exciting long passes men can. Not for lack of skill, but the physiology is just different. At least for me, it's the same reason I don't watch college sports. Or why people don't watch AAA baseball games. It's unfortunate, but I don't see it changing. I mean how long as the WNBA been around (over 10 years?) and how many of you have EVER watched a game? If you want to see women role models in sports, let's start actively demanding it by opening our checkbooks (attending games) or our eyeballs (watching it on tv so that advertisers will be forced to pay attention).
By mardel
02.08.10

I think this is another way to exploit women! We don't see the men in thongs catching the football!! What kind of message is this for girls? "only skinny girls can play football and be recognized? Crap like this is everywhere, enough is enough!!
By bourmanfamily
02.08.10

I think its a way to objective women today. Why can't they have women out there in full uniforms playing and why do they all have to be what society deems "Beautiful" what about other women out there that would like to play to but can't because they don't have that perfect body? What kind of role models is this giving young girls these days? Don't you think its hard enough for them without seeing this on tv too?

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