By now most sports fans are familiar with the term “WAG,”
but for those who are a bit behind, “WAG” is an acronym used by the British tabloid press to describe the wives and
girlfriends of English football players.
But the term has gone way beyond football. WAGs are present
in every sport and it seems nowadays that a girl can’t just date (or marry) an
athlete without being labeled his good or bad luck charm. The influence that a
WAG can have on her guy, his team and the game has grown tremendously.
Below you will find A Glam Slam’s unscientific approach to
what Glam Gal has deemed “The WAG Effect.” Let’s break it down, first from the
very beginning:
HISTORY OF WAGS
The athlete/starlet combination is hardly new. Though the
term “WAG” was not coined until a few years ago, it has existed in theory since
the dawn of sport. Perhaps the most publicized incarnation took place when New
York Yankees center fielder, Joe DiMaggio, romanced the ultimate blonde
bombshell, Marilyn Monroe.
WAGS THROUGH THE YEARS
While Marilyn may have set the modern day precedent, other
women since have maintained WAG status. A Glam Slam takes a look at some of the
most memorable WAGS and their athlete significant others through the years.
Janet Jones and Wayne Gretsky
The actress and NHL Hall-of-Famer met in 1984, married in 1988 and immediately became one of LA’s power couples. Unlike some of the ladies listed below, Janet Jones Gretsky’s WAG
status remains in-tact because of her 22 year marriage and five children.
Robin Givens and Mike Tyson
The actress and former Heavyweight Champion were married
from 1988 to 1989. Rumors of adultery and domestic abuse doomed the
relationship. Givens’ WAG status was short-lived as the two divorced after just
one year of marriage.
Brooke Shields and Andre Agassi
The model/actress and tennis
superstar dated for 4 years before marrying in 1997. Perhaps the pair should
have stuck with dating, as Agassi was unsuccessful on the court once they were married. Shields’ WAG status went from baseline winners to unforced errors.
Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman
The Baywatch babe and rainbow hair colored NBA star dated
for months before they eloped to Las Vegas. Their wacky and tumultuous
relationship could not withstand an annulment and a divorce shortly after their
marriage. Electra quickly lost her WAG status, but has remained relevant with
many high-profile relationships since.
Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter
The diva and Yankee shortstop had a brief relationship from
the mid to late 90’s. Many cited her appearance at games and the extensive
media coverage it created, as a distraction to the team in general and Jeter
more specifically. Mariah’s WAG status was called foul and she has yet to
recover (see Nick Cannon).
Certain ladies have 9 lives when it comes to being a WAG.
Alyssa Milano likes her men to play baseball, her favorite sport, as she’s
dated Carl Pavano, Barry Zito and Brad Penny. As for Paris Hilton, she prefers
anyone who wears a jock strap for a living having been with Cristiano
Ronaldo and Brian Urlacher.
PRESENT DAY WAGS AND ‘THE WAG EFFECT’
“The WAG Effect.” It can be good or bad. It can lead to a
championship or it can jinx a whole season. And these days, fans will remember
a bad-luck WAG as much as a dropped fly ball during the World Series.
A Glam Slam has taken a closer look at some prominent
present day WAGS and graded them on their influence.
KATE HUDSON – A +
Kate Hudson currently holds the title of “WAG MVP.” Being a
WAG in general is very difficult, but being a WAG in New York City is another
story. In 2008, the New York Yankees missed the playoffs for the first time
since 1995. At the start of the 2009 season, fans in the Bronx were looking for
a trip back to the World Series with a revamped roster. But with an injured
A-Rod mired in a steroids controversy, victory was not a guarantee. Enter Kate
Hudson…
Once the two started dating A-Rod was magically healed, his
steroid issue hit the back pages, he finished with an MVP-like shortened
season, and finally won a World Series title. New Yorkers were so happy with
Kate’s effect on A-Rod that some argue she was the MVP of the playoffs. Though
the couple split soon after the season finished, Kate’s term as a WAG ended
with a World Series win for baseball’s most storied franchise. Top that ladies.
EVA LONGORIA: A -
Being seven years older than her husband, San Antonio Spurs
point guard, Tony Parker, Eva Longoria has cemented herself as the ultimate
“Cougar WAG.” Having cheered on
her man through two NBA Championships in 2005 and 2007 as well as a Finals MVP,
you will not find a more vocal supporter in any NBA arena. Longoria also makes the
grade because she has parlayed her WAG status into lucrative endorsements deals
with Parker off the court.
BROOKLYN DECKER: C +
This Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model replaced Mandy Moore
as American tennis heartthrob, Andy Roddick’s, leading lady. In July 2009, she
suffered with the rest of the country as Roddick lost a five-set classic to
Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Final. He has yet to repeat his Grand Slam
success from 2003, (pre-Brooklyn) but has played well under her watch, so
the jury is still out on this blonde beauty.
GISELE BUNDCHEN: D
In 2007 Tom Brady traded a
leggy actress, Bridget Moynahan, for a leggy supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. A
shocking Super Bowl loss to the NY Giants ending the chance at an undefeated
season in 2008, a gruesome season-ending knee injury in 2009 and an early
playoff exit in 2010 have made Gisele’s WAG status as shaky as Tom’s legs.
Bunchen’s absence from Brady’s early Super Bowl successes may have New
Englanders pleading for a reconciliation with Moynahan.
JESSICA SIMPSON: F
Pop star and Texas native, Jessica Simpson, wrangled her
very own Cowboy in Dallas Quarterback, Tony Romo, beginning in 2007.
Fans were concerned with Simpson’s constant need for Romo’s time and affection
especially when the pair took a romantic vacation to Mexico during the team’s
bye week before a playoff game. The fun in the sun did little to relax Romo,
instead prolonging the Cowboy’s winless playoff drought. Simpson even irked female supporters
with her blatant disregard for appropriate fan gear, wearing a pale pink Tony
Romo jersey to every game. This season, Tony and the Cowboys, sans Jessica, won
the team’s first playoff game since 1996. Coincidence?
KIM KARDASHIAN: Incomplete
Fans of Kim Kardashian’s reality show are well aware of her
on-again/off-again relationship with New Orleans Saints' running back, Reggie
Bush. Kim K’s beau and his teammates will represent the NFC in the franchise’s
first Super Bowl. The Saints success is not lost on its Head Coach Sean Peyton,
who has been seen hugging Kim following victories. We’ll see if he hugs her
again on February 7th in Miami.
A Glam Slam has chronicled the history of WAGS from years
past until today. The future of WAGS remains bright and relevant with the
emergence Rihanna’s rumored relationship with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder,
Matt Kemp. With Spring Training right around the corner, only time will tell if
she can pass the test and help bring a title West.
Check back for WAGS of the Olympics this February and WAGS
of the World Cup this Summer.
- Glam Gal -