When the game is over on the field for the women of the LFL, the other one off it begins. In a society where women and men are expected to have certain roles, and beauty, brains and athleticism are not expected to co-exist, the women of the LFL are trying to break all the rules and enter into the forefront of a male dominated sport. These players are talented, they are beautiful, and they are ready for the opportunity to prove to the world they can rise above stereotypes; they just hope we are ready for them.
Discipline on the field is a valuable skill for any player looking to better themselves, but off-the-field discipline is the necessary asset that will make or break the image of the LFL. Some people question Commissioner Mortaza’s tough, no-nonsense approach to off-the-field behavior, but he knows for the league to succeed it must be respected. Too many player’s in the LFL do the right thing and give it their all, pour their hearts into every aspect of the game, and make tremendous sacrifices to have a few people ruin the image of the league. Commissioner Mortaza knows he has to be proactive in his approach to discipline, especially in the early years of the LFL when the image of the league is still being formed. And that is exactly why Mortaza does what he does, to establish legitimacy and put professionalism above all to assure a fan base that will contribute to the growth of the league.
Tasha “The Tank” Pryor is one of those players who has put too much into being a professional athlete to be seen as just a model. “The LFL is as legitimate as any other professional league as far as I am concerned;” Pryor stated in an interview with 360, “Initially, I believe that our uniforms threw many people off and many did not take us seriously, but after last years success, this league has really proven itself and has shown millions that just because we are sexy and beautiful…………… we can also play at a highly physical level.” Pryor recognizes the critical aspect of this upcoming season: that the world is watching now, and now is the player’s time to prove that they belong in football.
Besides Pryor does not live a model’s life. She trains twice a day running routes and conditioning, she eats healthy, and she works just as hard, or harder, than any professional athlete at her craft. “It’s neither fun nor glamorous, but the payoff is priceless,” Pryor said. She understands that this an opportunity of a lifetime, and a chance for women to prove that they are more than just mere eye candy. Perhaps most importantly, she understands that the idea of this league is bigger than just one player: “To me,” Pryor said “the women of the LFL are the role models to little girls, as the men in the NFL are to young boys.” Pryor represents the mindset the LFL needs if it wants to succeed, that to become someone that others look up to you have to act like someone who deserves to be looked up to.
And as the popularity of the LFL grows this upcoming season, players will be in more scrutinizing positions with a bigger spotlight shining on them. It is up to them what they do with the spotlight, but if they want the league, and consequently themselves to be successful, they must make the right choices on and off the field.
The league made amazing strides last year to legitimize it as a professional sport, and Commissioner Mortaza has done everything right to prove to fans that these players are beautiful, and physically talented. He makes solid decisions that affirm his no-nonsense stance, and he has a short leash for player’s who try to be bigger than the game, see Toni Kelley. Which is exactly what he needs to do in such a young league, where fan’s opinions are still easily swayed. Of course, there will always be people who see beautiful women parading on the field in revealing outfits, and see the league as just that. And, I suppose, that is a part of the LFL. But when you really watch the games, and watch them pouring their hearts out on the field for the love of the game, you will see the LFL so much more than just a showcase for beautiful women. Commissioner Mortaza knows this, and the players know this, and soon enough, so will the world.
