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Ashley, Ashley, Ashley...

sports central | Tom Kosinski ( Tue 5th, August 2008 )

Just stumbled across the latest Playboy Magazine while waiting in an airport. Much to his surprise

Okay, last time here I told you how boring the U.S. Open Series is so far, how it isn't really relevant given the Olympics is just a week away. I also told you I was turning my TV off. I was looking for a good book to read instead when I ran across something more interesting.

There I was, stuck in the Lawton, Oklahoma airport, with a few hours to kill before my flight. Over to the magazine rack at the only newstand/giftshop I went. As I scanned the shelves my eyes were immediately drawn to Playboy Magazine.

Ashley Harkleroad was prominently on the cover. Yes, that Ashley Harkleroad, the number four U.S. women's player, and the number 61st player in the world. To say I was shocked was an understatement.

It seems that the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour was caught a little off-guard, as well. The WTA Tour stopped short of condemning the appearance, but was short in its statement on this:

"The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour markets and promotes our players based on their on-court athleticism and competitiveness, and their off-court charisma. That is what we focus on when it comes to promoting our players and sport as a whole. That said, as in any sport, individual athletes make individual decisions regarding their own brands and how they wish to market and promote themselves. This includes which media they decide to do or not do."

Ashley's choice to pose nude for Playboy is a personal choice. What was shocking was that this seemed to be very out of character for her. She has not been one to really draw attention to herself off the court. She doesn't have a personal "brand" to promote like Venus or Serena Williams. She does not try to shock you with her on-court dress like Bethanie Mattek. Yes, she has had to wrestle some personal demons. But I am left to wonder, will this be the cathartic moment for her and her career?

I often forget that professional sports is still just a form of entertainment. So when an athlete takes such a bold move, I am left to wonder why. Then I have to be reminded that professional sports is entertainment, not unlike professional wrestling. Tennis has a different community and flavor, but it's still just entertainment.

Thank you, Ashley, for giving me something to think about during these dog days of summer. I have always enjoyed watching you play hard. I love to watch you leave it all out on the court. Though now I have a different view of what leave it all out on the court means...

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