Mark Berman Responds

In response to Comets forward Tina Thompson's disputing what Fox 26 Sports' Mark Berman reported yesterday regarding her contemplating retiring from the WNBA at the end of this season to play basketball full time overseas, I spoke with Mark Berman to allow him to respond to Tina's statements which she made before yesterday Comets' game versus the New York Liberty.

From Mark Berman:
"Tina's reaction to my story on her is unfortunate. When I approached her about the story, I did it without my photographer. I told her what I had heard that she was going to quit the WNBA when the season is over and play full time overseas. She responded by saying that she had not made a final decision. I asked her if we could discuss where she is at on this situation and she said "yes" and thanked me for not blindsiding her. I turned the camera on; and, we did the story which included Tina saying she was 70 percent sure she was not returning to the WNBA.

"In the 11 years I've covered the Comets, the players have always wanted the respect from the media that the men receive. And, that's exactly what they get from Fox 26. If Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, or Warren Moon had given me the same kind of quotes in the same situation they would have all been big stories. Tina Thompson is no less an athlete in her sport. Why is this situation any different? Tina is DEAD WRONG in her assessment of the situation; and, in her heart, she knows that. Regardless of what she thinks or says, I will continue to cover Tina Thompson and the Comets' franchise with respect and integrity."

Signed Mark Berman,
Sports Director Fox 26.