Staff Reports
Newsmax’s Carl Higbie FRONTLINE ran a segment this week in which a Newsmax personality, John “Gianna” Tabacco, reportedly declared for the WNBA draft. The clip is embedded below so readers can judge for themselves — though careful readers should note one big problem: that declaration is not independently verified by mainstream sports outlets or by the WNBA’s public paperwork. Treat this as a curious news item that needs proof, not settled fact.
Claim vs. Confirmed Facts: Read the Fine Print
Here’s what we can confirm without squinting: Carl Higbie hosts FRONTLINE on Newsmax and John Tabacco is a Newsmax on-air personality. That’s it. What we cannot confirm is the core claim that Tabacco actually filed to enter the WNBA draft or that the segment was anything more than on-air banter. Major sports outlets, the usual reporters who cover the draft, and WNBA public records show no trace of a formal declaration. Before headlines get wild, we need a clip, a transcript, or a WNBA filing — not hearsay.
WNBA Draft Eligibility: The Rule That Matters
What the Collective Bargaining Agreement says
The WNBA’s rule is simple on paper: “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” That line is the legal anchor. Beyond that, entering a draft usually requires formal paperwork and, for many college players, renouncing NCAA eligibility. If someone really declared, the league would have a paper trail. It’s not a thing that happens just because someone announced it on cable TV.
Why This Matters — Beyond Cable Theater
Verification, policy, and the public record
This story touches on real policy and real rules, so it isn’t harmless theater. If the segment was serious, Newsmax should provide a clip and John Tabacco should confirm whether he filed anything with the WNBA. The league should also confirm whether any such declaration exists. If it was a joke or a stunt, fine — but say that out loud. The public deserves clarity, especially when the topic brushes up against league rules and sensitive questions about eligibility.
Bottom line: the claim that John “Gianna” Tabacco declared for the WNBA draft is unverified. Responsible outlets should label it as such until primary evidence appears. My advice to readers: watch the clip, ask Newsmax for the tape, and ask the WNBA for its records. If nothing turns up, chalk this one up to cable bravado — and keep an eye out for the follow-up, which should be louder than the original noise.
