What Does Hammer Think?
can women succeed in professional sports?
2007-10-17

When we caught up with 70s action star and former NFL defensive back Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, he was sitting on his deck smoking an Arturo Fuente Hemingway. Him being in a contemplative mood and all, we thought it a good time to capture his thoughts on the real deal in the front offices of the world of sports. We present the second in an ongoing series of sit-downs with a man who is very generous with his opinions.
- The Editors

So what do you think about the Isaiah Thomas situation?
I think the whole thing started in the locker room over 20 years ago. Things became intrusive the day they allowed women to come into the locker room as players shaved and showered. They were asking for trouble. It’s like throwing somebody in the wolf’s den -- the wolves are going to react accordingly.

It’s a big change having women in the locker room asking you what kind of game you’ve had. I’m surprised there haven’t been more problems with women running out of locker rooms screaming about rising towels.

So, you don’t think women should be allowed in?
I think it went too far. I was really surprised they approved that. Women said ‘we should be allowed in,’ and so they were in. I never thought that was a good idea. They should have had a separate press room. Like boxing. They don’t let women in the locker room in boxing. They have a separate room for press.

But, if male reporters are allowed into the locker room and women are not, you’re allowing for charges of discrimination. What about that?
If the whole question was about allowing the press, they should have a press room. If it’s about discrimination, then they should eliminate all locker room access.

What’s the environment like in the locker room after a game?
Locker rooms now are full of people. Coaches used to have last word. It used to be a privilege to come into the locker room. Now anybody can come in.

Do players feel like they have to give interviews there?
Players feel obligated. If they don’t do it, they’re called bad guys. But you know what? It’s an invasion of privacy. How about my suing you for invasion of privacy? If a female reporter went to a player’s house and he came down in a towel, would she stay for the interview? No. I think she would leave.

Okay, so that’s the locker room. What about the front office?
It trickles up to the front office. Most people in the front office used to be in the locker room. These guys are used to an all-male environment. If women want to be treated equally, they should be ready for same – we should be able to tell a dirty joke or two. If I’m in the locker room and slap a woman on the butt and say ‘good to see you,’ don’t take it to mean I want your butt. We’re not having a fanny give-away in the locker room. It means “good job.” You did good. It’s an expressive form in locker rooms and on the field.

Calling a woman a bitch is an expressive form?
Players are used to calling each other bitches, etc. but it has no meaning. When we’re on the battlefield, it means nothing. I played against guys who knew more about my mother than I did. I’m not going to get mad; I’m going to get you back.

So, you think women making a career in sports should be prepared to have their butts slapped, their crotches grabbed and to be called bitches?
I don’t think any woman has ever accused a player of crotch grabbing.
I think women have gotten themselves into a situation that’s hard to negotiate.

But shouldn’t the front office be a more professional environment than the locker room?
Asking players to change their whole lifestyle just because they’ve moved into an office is unrealistic. Just because the guy is wearing a suit and tie that doesn’t mean they’ve become more sophisticated. You change the job, not necessarily the person.

What about the settlement against the Knicks? Do you think the $11 million settlement was excessive?
The settlement is to say “go away and let’s not carry this any further. Let’s not wake up any dead issues.” Excessive? That settlement ain’t coming out of Isaiah’s pocket.

Do you find it surprising that he didn’t personally get sanctioned?
No, I’m not surprised. I think it’s still a hard thing to fathom women being in the locker room with naked men and not having any problems. Sports fans understand that.

How do you think this kind of situation can be prevented?
To prevent this in future, I say to women, if you must come into the locker room, come in a mummy suit. That way, there’s no possibility of attraction.

Mainly, I would advise women to be a little more understanding of the circumstances.

Read Hammer on how OJ's golf game reveals his true character.
Got a question for The Hammer? Go long. He will gladly set you straight.