Virtue Signaling

On Saturday, the first-ever college-level women’s flag-football game in the state of Illinois took place, with Rockford University beating Illinois Benedictine, 32-0. It was no accident the game took place at the Bears’ indoor, Halas Hall facility. The Bears love flag football because it allows them to have their cake and eat it too, to signal a commitment to women’s sports that has next to no chance of affecting the structure of pro football. That’s precisely why team president Kevin Warren showed up to opine before the TV cameras. Talk, unlike a privately-funded stadium, is cheap. Here's part of a story posted on the team website on February 5: “Girls flag football has seen exponential growth in Illinois throughout the last four years, and the Bears have been there every step of the way. By hosting coaches clinics, player jamborees and the state's first ever girls flag championship, the Bears have made a clear commitment to expanding the exposure of young women to sports and the opportunities that being a student-athlete can provide.” Will that support have much impact on the composition of coaching staffs and front offices? Do you think Warren would be there if it did?