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By now most sports fans are familiar with the term “WAG,” but for those who are a bit behind, “WAG” is an acronym used by the British tabloid press to describe the wives and girlfriends of English football players.

But the term has gone way beyond football. WAGs are present in every sport and it seems nowadays that a girl can’t just date (or marry) an athlete without being labeled his good or bad luck charm. The influence that a WAG can have on her guy, his team and the game has grown tremendously.

Below you will find A Glam Slam’s unscientific approach to what Glam Gal has deemed “The WAG Effect.” Let’s break it down, first from the very beginning:

HISTORY OF WAGS

The athlete/starlet combination is hardly new. Though the term “WAG” was not coined until a few years ago, it has existed in theory since the dawn of sport. Perhaps the most publicized incarnation took place when New York Yankees center fielder, Joe DiMaggio, romanced the ultimate blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe.

WAGS THROUGH THE YEARS

While Marilyn may have set the modern day precedent, other women since have maintained WAG status. A Glam Slam takes a look at some of the most memorable WAGS and their athlete significant others through the years.

Janet Jones and Wayne Gretsky

The actress and NHL Hall-of-Famer met in 1984, married in 1988 and immediately became one of LA’s power couples. Unlike some of the ladies listed below, Janet Jones Gretsky’s WAG status remains in-tact because of her 22 year marriage and five children.

Robin Givens and Mike Tyson

The actress and former Heavyweight Champion were married from 1988 to 1989. Rumors of adultery and domestic abuse doomed the relationship. Givens’ WAG status was short-lived as the two divorced after just one year of marriage.

Brooke Shields and Andre Agassi

The model/actress and tennis superstar dated for 4 years before marrying in 1997. Perhaps the pair should have stuck with dating, as Agassi was unsuccessful on the court once they were married. Shields’ WAG status went from baseline winners to unforced errors.

Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman

The Baywatch babe and rainbow hair colored NBA star dated for months before they eloped to Las Vegas. Their wacky and tumultuous relationship could not withstand an annulment and a divorce shortly after their marriage. Electra quickly lost her WAG status, but has remained relevant with many high-profile relationships since.

Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter

The diva and Yankee shortstop had a brief relationship from the mid to late 90’s. Many cited her appearance at games and the extensive media coverage it created, as a distraction to the team in general and Jeter more specifically. Mariah’s WAG status was called foul and she has yet to recover (see Nick Cannon).

Certain ladies have 9 lives when it comes to being a WAG. Alyssa Milano likes her men to play baseball, her favorite sport, as she’s dated Carl Pavano, Barry Zito and Brad Penny. As for Paris Hilton, she prefers anyone who wears a jock strap for a living having been with Cristiano Ronaldo and Brian Urlacher.

PRESENT DAY WAGS AND ‘THE WAG EFFECT’

“The WAG Effect.” It can be good or bad. It can lead to a championship or it can jinx a whole season. And these days, fans will remember a bad-luck WAG as much as a dropped fly ball during the World Series.

A Glam Slam has taken a closer look at some prominent present day WAGS and graded them on their influence.

KATE HUDSON – A +

Kate Hudson currently holds the title of “WAG MVP.” Being a WAG in general is very difficult, but being a WAG in New York City is another story. In 2008, the New York Yankees missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995. At the start of the 2009 season, fans in the Bronx were looking for a trip back to the World Series with a revamped roster. But with an injured A-Rod mired in a steroids controversy, victory was not a guarantee. Enter Kate Hudson…

Once the two started dating A-Rod was magically healed, his steroid issue hit the back pages, he finished with an MVP-like shortened season, and finally won a World Series title. New Yorkers were so happy with Kate’s effect on A-Rod that some argue she was the MVP of the playoffs. Though the couple split soon after the season finished, Kate’s term as a WAG ended with a World Series win for baseball’s most storied franchise. Top that ladies.

EVA LONGORIA: A -

Being seven years older than her husband, San Antonio Spurs point guard, Tony Parker, Eva Longoria has cemented herself as the ultimate “Cougar WAG.” Having cheered on her man through two NBA Championships in 2005 and 2007 as well as a Finals MVP, you will not find a more vocal supporter in any NBA arena. Longoria also makes the grade because she has parlayed her WAG status into lucrative endorsements deals with Parker off the court.

BROOKLYN DECKER: C +

This Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model replaced Mandy Moore as American tennis heartthrob, Andy Roddick’s, leading lady. In July 2009, she suffered with the rest of the country as Roddick lost a five-set classic to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Final. He has yet to repeat his Grand Slam success from 2003, (pre-Brooklyn) but has played well under her watch, so the jury is still out on this blonde beauty.

GISELE BUNDCHEN: D

In 2007 Tom Brady traded a leggy actress, Bridget Moynahan, for a leggy supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. A shocking Super Bowl loss to the NY Giants ending the chance at an undefeated season in 2008, a gruesome season-ending knee injury in 2009 and an early playoff exit in 2010 have made Gisele’s WAG status as shaky as Tom’s legs. Bunchen’s absence from Brady’s early Super Bowl successes may have New Englanders pleading for a reconciliation with Moynahan.

JESSICA SIMPSON: F

Pop star and Texas native, Jessica Simpson, wrangled her very own Cowboy in Dallas Quarterback, Tony Romo, beginning in 2007. Fans were concerned with Simpson’s constant need for Romo’s time and affection especially when the pair took a romantic vacation to Mexico during the team’s bye week before a playoff game. The fun in the sun did little to relax Romo, instead prolonging the Cowboy’s winless playoff drought. Simpson even irked female supporters with her blatant disregard for appropriate fan gear, wearing a pale pink Tony Romo jersey to every game. This season, Tony and the Cowboys, sans Jessica, won the team’s first playoff game since 1996. Coincidence?

KIM KARDASHIAN: Incomplete

Fans of Kim Kardashian’s reality show are well aware of her on-again/off-again relationship with New Orleans Saints' running back, Reggie Bush. Kim K’s beau and his teammates will represent the NFC in the franchise’s first Super Bowl. The Saints success is not lost on its Head Coach Sean Peyton, who has been seen hugging Kim following victories. We’ll see if he hugs her again on February 7th in Miami.

A Glam Slam has chronicled the history of WAGS from years past until today. The future of WAGS remains bright and relevant with the emergence Rihanna’s rumored relationship with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, Matt Kemp. With Spring Training right around the corner, only time will tell if she can pass the test and help bring a title West.

Check back for WAGS of the Olympics this February and WAGS of the World Cup this Summer.

- Glam Gal -

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