Column: Advice to Aces should be to show up and play

The WNBA's Las Vegas Aces thought they'd make a statement by refusing to play a game because they were tired from a long day of travel.

It didn't quite turn out like they planned.

The team ended up forfeiting the game, which could very well cost it a spot in the playoffs. And the conversation that players wanted to start about the rigors of travel ended up falling on mostly deaf ears.

Turns out fans don't want to hear about how tough it is to play basketball for a living.

They just want players to show up and play.

So does the WNBA, and with good reason. The league struggles enough to draw fans without inconveniencing and alienating those who have actually bought tickets for a game.