Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink discussed how female athlete’s body image can be portrayed positively, one month after Angel Reese divulged that she’s been s.e.x.u.a.l.i.z.e.d

Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink provided her thoughts on how female athletes’ body image is portrayed – one month after Angel Reese divulged her struggles with being s.e.x.u.a.l.i.z.e.d by people online. The comments from each WNBA player underline both the unique issues women’s sports stars face and the hope of a brighter future where they have more control over their own image.

Over three games with the Sparks, Brink is averaging 6 points, 6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. The 22-year-old is keeping busy off the court as well, discussing her recent media and business endeavors during a recent appearance on Paul George’s “Podcast P” show.

Brink was recently featured on the cover of “SLAM” magazine, and additionally headlined an ad campaign involving the WNBA and SKIMS. Speaking to George, she described the underwear photoshoot as something she “manifested.”

When asked if there was “any other publication that you would like to be attached to or have a cover shoot with,” Brink brought up ESPN magazine’s “Body Issue.” The annual edition – which last hit shelves on September 6, 2019 – showcased dozens of athletes posing in the nude.

“I think just as a female athlete, the [ESPN] Body Issue is always dope,” she said. “Just to see how your body as an athlete, purely as an athlete, to appreciate our bodies are our machines. Like it’s how we make our money, so I think that’s always a really cool concept.”

Brink also expressed a desire to appear in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, adding: “I’ve always loved that. I think it’s super empowering.” Reese, Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogqumike, Te’a Cooper and Sue Bird are just some of the WNBA stars – both past and present – to be featured in the magazine issue.

Angel Reese revealed her struggles with being s.e.x.u.a.l.i.z.e.d last month
The body positivity championed by these publications contrasts the non-consensual sexualization Reese claimed to have suffered throughout her final NCAA campaign at LSU.

“I just try to stay strong,” she said following LSU’s Elite Eight loss to Iowa. “I’ve been through so much, I’ve seen so much, I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats, I’ve been s.e.x.u.a.l.i.z.e.d, I’ve been threatened … I’m still human. All this has happened since I won the national championship and I haven’t been happy since then.”

The sexualization of women’s basketball players also gained national attention earlier this month after Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel was banned from covering Caitlin Clark. The barring stemmed from an inappropriate exchange with the Indiana Fever star at her introductory press conference.

Doyel first mimicked Clark’s signature heart-shaped hand celebration, later telling the 22-year-old: “I like that you’re here.” Speaking of the gesture, the reporter remarked, “Start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine.”

On the heels of the awkward interaction, Doyel issued an apology in an Indianapolis Star column, writing: “I’m devastated to realize I’m part of the problem. I screwed up Wednesday during my first interaction with No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.”

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