Iowa fans react to Gustafson’s release
The Dallas Wings waived Megan Gustafson on Wednesday, and most Hawkeye fans did not support the decision.
Iowa center Megan Gustafson grabs her own rebound during the Iowa/Illinois women’s basketball game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday, February 14, 2019. The Hawkeyes defeated the Fighting Illini, 88-66.
May 23, 2019
Megan Gustafson was waived by the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, setting off a chain reaction of disgruntled tweets from Hawkeye fans.
Roster Update: We have waived F Megan Gustafson and G Kennedy Burke.
More info on Wings Opening Night roster below. https://t.co/mFXNlCPep3
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) May 23, 2019
As of 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, the Wings’ tweet announcing their decision to waive Gustafson had garnered 213 replies compared to 76 retweets and 130 likes, with most of the replies focusing on the release of the former Hawkeye.
Well, @DallasWings ya done messed up this time. pic.twitter.com/mBYRAjFc77
— Hayden U. (@tharealhayden) May 23, 2019
— cole (@ColeEbel) May 23, 2019
Dear @WNBA,
You seriously just lost all your fans from the state of Iowa so I highly recommend someone signs Megan Gustafson ASAP. It’ll only help your viewership and another teams fan base.Sincerely,
Every Iowa Hawkeye Fan— Caroline Crosby (@carolinecrosb2) May 23, 2019
Some of those fans are Wings fans no longer, instead choosing to cheer against Dallas, which opens its regular season on Friday.
You lost a ton of fans….
— Karrie Greive (@Karrotg) May 23, 2019
Now I have a team to cheer against!! Hopefully u lose every game!!
— Dustin Stoll (@dustindonstoll) May 23, 2019
Unfollow
— Christopher Boten (@botenc) May 23, 2019
Even those who cover Hawkeye sports found themselves blindsided by the decision.
Wings cut national player of the year Megan Gustafson.
Did not see that coming. https://t.co/uJizOZm6PG
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) May 23, 2019
— Adam Hensley (@A_Hens83) May 23, 2019
Despite Gustafson’s release, some are still confident in her ability to play in the WNBA, even if it takes time.
An outstanding collegiate career doesn’t always translate to the next level. Especially as an undersized center who’s natural ability is scoring with her back to the basket. I have no doubt Gustafson can play in the WNBA, but it will need to be the right fit, timing and situation
— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) May 23, 2019