Phil from Colchester, CT Is the officiating ever going to improve? The WNBA is doomed if the league continues to use inept officials to control the game. The most recent Sacramento vs Conn game (8/7/07) was an example of the worst officiating I have EVER seen in a basketball game at ANY level. People are not going to attend games if the amateur officials continue to destroy the game. Both teams were dumbfounded by the calls these unqualified referees were making. One of the officials was doing high school games here in CT just 3 years ago!! We need to do better or you are going to lose the crowd. Awful, just awful. Phil, people may read this and think I wrote this to myself. Good job of pointing out an area that is in need of improving. Wow. Two sentences that I really believe I can not be fined for.
	Nancy from Wallingford, CT My husband I have had season tickets forever and wouldn't miss a game, we love the team. I would like to know about Scottie. He's such a crowd pleaser. It's never the same when he's not around and we really don't know much about him. Scotty B. born as Scott B. in the late 70's, lives in Florida with his wife and daughter. A humble man, from humble beginnings, he owns an entertainment company that does events such as ours, but also does things for bigger clients such as NASCAR and PEPSI. His schedule has been getting busier, that is why on occasion, he is not in the building. There may come a time - take a deep breath - that we may have to move on when Scotty B and his business get to be too much for him to travel back and forth to Connecticut. Hopefully, that day will never come.
	Christopher from Fall River, MA With all the free agents on this years team, (ie Katie, Lindsey, Le'coe, Margo, etc.) How do you think the renegotiation of the CBA will effect the re-signing of marquee level players? Do you think the possible new CBA will allow for higher pay grade growth for veteran players? Christopher - good question and very nice name. We do have many free agents, some not coincidentally timed with the end of the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). There are many things to be worked out regarding this Agreement, and, not unlike officiating, GM's are under gag orders with the league not to discuss. What I can say is that more than likely the deal will afford players a higher wage, of which we accommodate for in our multi-year plans. There are certain players that may wish to test the free agent market - so we have to have a firm plan in place as to whom we should core (claim as our own, basically nullifying their chance at free agency). Who do you think we should keep? I have some in mind - we will see if we are on the same page...
	Carol from East Hartford, CT We need you to settle a bet between my sister and myself -- is our new favorite player's name Evina or Evanthia? (a Johnny Rocket's burger is riding on this ...) Wow, have you seen Trading Places with Eddie Murphy? The brothers Mortimer and Randolph Duke (Duke & Duke)- millionaires - used to wage $1 on their bets. You obviously come from the same background. However, I digress. The answer, and winner of the Johnny Rocket's burger is: both of you. Evina is her nickname, her formal name is Evanthia, though she much prefers her nickname. Since it is a tie, can you two buy me a burger?
	Mark Fishkind from Chester, CT Are you planning on signing Maltsi to a multi-year deal? She seems to fit in really well w/KT, Lindsay and the rest of the team. For what it's worth, the fans really like her. She brings great energy and has a great expressive, outgoing personality. For a rookie (WNBA) she's oozing with confidence. I've dubbed her "Taurasi Jr" because she has some of the same mannerisms, that on-court awareness and uncanny passing ability. Don't let her get away. Mark, some very sage advice. I will do what I can to make your wish come true. If I do sign Evina or Evanthia (see above), will you also buy me a Johnny Rocket's burger? This job is going to add 10 pounds. Evina is a heck of a player and I believe that she truly enjoys Connecticut and the system Coach Thibault has in place.
	Carina from Far Rockaway Queens, NY Other than playing in college how can someone participate in the WNBA draft? Carina, to participate in the draft, a player is eligible at the earliest occurrence of: she has her 22nd birthday in the calendar year in which the draft is being held, and she has no collegiate eligibility remaining or renounces the remainder of it; or she has graduated from a four-year college or will in the same calendar year of the draft; or she attended a four-year college and her original class has already graduates or will in the calendar year of the draft; or she is an international player (born or resides outside of the US) and has signed a contract and player professionally overseas for two seasons covering two years and has or will have her 20th birthday during the calendar year of the draft. That was a lot of work - you are banned from asking more questions for at least one month!
	Ashley from Houston, TX I’m planning to be an agent when i grow up. Can you give me any advice? This reminds me of a song: "Momma Don't Let Your Children Grow Up To Be Agent's"; an oldie but a goodie! Some advice for you Ashley would be to get to know athletes, and understand them and their needs. However, do your homework on the team side, and if possible, work in a team environment first. A law degree doesn't hurt, but in most cases - depending upon the level of athlete you represent, is not necessary. I think, like most things in life, it is the relationships that you create that will make you successful, not just the paper that says you can do the job. Good luck, and let me know if you can add a few $$ to my contract!
	Steph from Indianapolis, IN Question: Hi, I was just wondering why a few games have featured the home team in their away uniforms? i.e. Houston vs. Conn. San Ant. vs. Seattle on July 29th? I was just wondering the reason behind this.. Thanks huge fan in Indy!! OK, you really came to the source on this. It was me - no joke - that proposed to the league that my team wear our "away" blues one game this year since our home fans have never seen them in person. Well, the league thinking this was a good idea (pat, pat upon my back)came up with a promotion called "show your colors" where every team in the league played a game at home in their "away" jerseys. I think it was a neat idea, and I hope we continue in the future to do it at least once per season.
	Steven from Rocky Hill, NC Dear Mr. Sienko, Can you tell me what you like about being a WNBA General Manager and what you don't like? How does one get into the business you are in today? Thank you, Steven Dougherty Well, Mr. Dougherty (so formal), I relish all that goes with being a GM in this league. I truly enjoy my staff on the business and basketball side. I love the players and the significance of this league. Every day brings with it new challenges and I enjoy breaking new ground and working on new challenges. Sometimes, there are things that are not so pleasant - like dealing with boisterous agents (Ashley, if you are still reading, disregard this comment) but that is very limited. There are always issues, but if you are not a problem solver, this is probably not the right area for you. As for how I got into this, it was a weird, unconventional path. Many of my colleagues and friends all took paths that were different from their formal training to get to where they are today. But i was a big fan of sports, worked my way into them and dedicated myself to being aggressive, learning all sides of business and sometimes - many times - you need to be at the right place at the right time. When you have a passion, follow it and see where it can bring you. Never sell yourself short (I'm starting to sound like Tony Robbins).