Commentary: WNBA fan or not, Jackson’s retirement ceremony was a celebration for all of Seattle

We’re now less than two weeks from the start of Seahawks Training Camp. And I’m glad that before we’re consumed with “Hawks Talk” 24/7, we have two weekends to separately honor two of the best athletes in Seattle sports history.

This weekend, it was Lauren Jackson. Next weekend, Ken Griffey Junior.

Junior will steal the headlines this entire week – and deservedly so. But whether you realized it or not, this past weekend was all about Jackson, as the Storm retired her jersey in a celebration at KeyArena. It was a fitting and memorable tribute to arguably the best player in WNBA history, highlighted by a candid and emotional speech from Sue Bird.

I know there will be some out there who just don’t get it or never will – those who have no interest in the Storm or professional women’s basketball. But you don’t have to be a fan to respect a career that broke records and set a standard – a career spent entirely devoted to this city with two championships along the way.

Now, I’ll tell you what’s going to happen. I’ll post this commentary on Facebook or Twitter, and there will be those who see the headline and, without even reading the rest, will go out of their way to spew hatred for no reason. In fact, Bird, who has witnessed this kind of stuff her entire career, spoke out about the vocal disdain and disrespect she sees everyday.

"The WNBA does, for whatever reason, get to be the butt of every joke. I really don't know why," Bird said. "Dudes online feel the need to say 'Wonder why the WNBA doesn't get the respect it deserves? Because me and my four best friends can come out and beat you.' It's like, 'What? What are you talking about? I don't care. Nobody cares.' That, to me, is when I get disappointed. And I think that's society as a whole. I don't care if you and your four friends can come here. I'm still a better basketball player than you. I don't care if you can jump over me, it doesn't make you a better basketball player."

Considering Lauren Jackson was one of the biggest proponents of gender equality in sports and society, maybe – just maybe – tonight would be an appropriate time for the haters to stand down. At the very least – to be quiet – and let it be.

Because regardless of one’s feelings toward the WNBA, you can’t disregard the passion and dedication the athletes bring everyday. And that’s what Bird was saying. If you’re passionate about anything - a job, a project, even raising your own family – imagine how distasteful it would be for a total stranger to go out of their way to ridicule that passion for no reason at all.

Even Breanna Stewart alluded to it at the ESPYs last week. And whether you’re a fan or not, there’s a loyal fanbase for the Storm. It’s not as big as other teams, but it’s a tight-knit group – and one that was treated to an extraordinary night on Friday. And the same way that all Mariners fans will pay tribute to Junior next weekend, the Storm Crazies relived some of their best memories of Lauren Jackson on Friday night.

I’m not in the business of ranking the best Seattle sports athletes of all time – male or female – but LJ was certainly one of the best. And thankfully her jersey will now hang in the rafters as a tribute to her career – to her allegiance, service, and accomplishments for this city.

And it’ll be there as long as the Storm continue to play – meaningful to all those who cheer on our home team.