Chastain Still Grateful, After All These Years

The national media has diligently been noting last Friday’s 10-year anniversary since U.S. soccer star Brandi Chastain celebrated a World Cup title by falling to her knees and pulling off her jersey.

Her black sports bra moment is one of those indelible images.

Several media members contacted Chastain this week, to talk about the moment. She told ESPN.com’s Mary Buckheit that afterward, she had to get used to being asked questions on all sorts of subjects besides soccer . Suddenly she was supposed to be an expert on everything.

USA’s victory, she said, “really changed the way people looked at life for a while. I really believe it changed society, not just sports or women’s sports.”

I talked to Chastain six years ago and found her to be low key, smart and modest – a perfect spokesperson for American soccer. A day after our conversation, Team USA drew 19,584 to Rice-Eccles Stadium for a match against Ireland.

What impressed me was that she said she didn’t expect to see American soccer players following the example of spoiled stars in the NBA, NFL and MLB.

“I don’t see that type of feeling or attitude happening at this level,” she said. “The players have come from a different background, and this hasn’t existed for very long. Being part of the founding group gives a different sense of why this is important and why you’re here. When you feel like it’s your right to play professional sports, that’s when things change. It’s not our right, it’s our privilege.”

That thought is something to bear in mind as free agent season continues in the NBA.

My few minutes with Chastain six years ago, and her remarks to other media in ensuing years, tells me she hasn’t changed. She’s still grateful for her chance. Which is reason enough to pull off your jersey and cheer.