Lingerie football league gaining popularity, legitimacy

BY Josh Kerns  on May 2, 2014 @ 12:38 pm
(Updated: 10:08 am – 5/3/14 )

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UPDATE: Seattle Mist beat Green Bay Chill Friday night at ShoWare Center, 30 – 24.

When former Washington State University standout and Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien first heard his daughter wanted to play football in the fledgling Lingerie Football League, the Spokane-native was far from enthusiastic.

“He wasn’t too excited at first,” says Angela Rypien about his initial reaction. “He was like ‘okay, sure, go play football, whatever.’”

But as Rypien gets set to kickoff her third season in the league as quarterback with the Seattle Mist, her dad has changed his tune and now takes it seriously. Rypien and the rest of the growing league hope more people will continue to as well.

“He saw what a positive part of my life it had become so he became extremely supportive. It’s been awesome.”

The league has worked hard to evolve its image and gain legitimacy since its founding in 2009. While the players remain scantily-clad beneath their helmets and shoulder pads, it changed its name to the Legends Football League in 2013 as part of an effort to better emphasize the athletes and athleticism.

“It’s been unbelievable to see the play of the game,” she says. “There are so many more athletes we’re getting to come out now because most of the girls are so much more interested in the athletic side now. I think we’re making some great strides here.”

Rypien acknowledges many fans check out the league simply for the novelty and to see beautiful, hard-bodied women in close contact. But she hopes people realize how seriously they take the game. They train year-round and practice regularly just like college and pro-football players, but don’t get paid at all.

“It’s unfortunate we have to do it,” she says of the lingerie. “But whatever it takes. There are a ton of gifted female athletes in other football leagues not getting any attention. The LFL has given us the opportunity to take our talents to the next level. And once you get on the field and there are seven girls ahead of you wanting to take your head off, the last thing you’re thinking of is what you’re wearing.”

The league now features 10 teams in the United States and has expanded to Australia, Canada, and Europe. They play in arenas like Kent’s ShoWare Center on a 50 yard field with seven players on a side. And while they have far less padding than the men, they hit hard.

“We have the injuries and bruises to prove it,” she says of the full-tackle league.

Thanks to her name and good looks, Rypien has become one of the stars of the Legends Football League. She hopes one day people will check her out as much for her play on the field as her appearance off it.

“It’s fun being like a pioneer. When you look back at the NFL, when they used to play with those leather helmets, it’s just like that. Every year it’s gotten so much better. I never thought I’d have the opportunity,” she says.

The Seattle Mist open the 2014 season Friday night against the Green Bay Chill at ShoWare Center in Kent. You can get more information here.

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Perfect spring dress for $13? 10 bargains under $50

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April 25, 2014 at 1:27 PM ET

At prices like these, you can afford to try all the season’s hottest dress trends — midi hemlines, clashing prints, skinny belts!

Cold shoulder

Your perfect summer party dress? Found! It’s flattering, lightweight, on-trend and sexy. And you’ll still have money left for a killer clutch. (HM chiffon dress, $39.95, hm.com)

Squeeze of lime

We’re already counting the events where we’ll wear this floaty dress: that garden party wedding, a concert in the park, Tuesday in the office… That’s a whole lotta wear for under $40. (Uniqlo chiffon dress, $39.90, uniqlo.com)

Sweet nothing

All the skin-caressing seduction of your prettiest lingerie — but in a wearable cap-sleeve silhouette you’ll reach for all summer. (HM lace dress, $29.95, hm.com)

Berry picking

Think of this number as an effortless alternative to the classic wrap dress. It still hugs your curves, just not quite as tightly. (Uniqlo cache-coeur dress, $29.90, uniqlo.com)

Safari set

We love a dress that combines work-appropriate polish with a summery vibe, and this frock delivers on all fronts. Plus, it looks amazing with practically any summer accessory, from a bright belt to studded gladiator sandals or an envelope clutch. (HM lyocell-blend dress, $49.95, hm.com)

She means business

This seamed colorblock dress reminds us of the power sheaths worn by the female stars of “Scandal, Suits” and “The Good Wife”. But we bet theirs didn’t cost under $30. (Dorothy Perkins cowl neck dress, $29, dorothyperkins.com)

Prized specimen

Worn alone with heels and a chignon, this dress is perfect for a night out. Add a crisp white blazer for an elegant office look. (Wallis shift dress, $42, wallisfashion.com)

Clash of clans

Neon orchids juxtaposed with animal print, for only $13? Yes, please! (HM jersey dress, $12.95, hm.com)

Ultimate ombre

Why fade from tone to tone when you can fade from print to print? This woven maxi transitions from classic leopard all the way to pink pansies. We also love the higher neckline and back and sexy slit. (HM maxi dress, $49.95, hm.com)

I’m with the band

Flat sandals (or better yet, bare feet) and a glass of chilled rosé are the only accessories this maxi dress needs. (Dorothy Perkins bandeau maxi dress, $49, dorothyperkins.com) 

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