Beauty and brains. Imagine a woman with the striking features of a Heather Locklear, and a vivacious attitude entrapped in a male-dominated industry where sports are considered safe havens for the male gender. Imagine that same woman was walking around the office telling you -- an athlete -- you need to work on that jumpshot or your right hand dribble is lacking, because she has the power too. Times have definitely changed, and Bonnie-Jill Laflin has definitely become a cornerstone in a male-driven world.
Yes, she's stunningly attractive, but her witty savvy and knowledge on sports have made her a valued commodity in the eyes of Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Before she was league bound, and making her presence felt in the league's offices, she was a cheerleader, and a model -- both suitable professions considering her physical attributes.
With a sports broadcasting background, Bonnie-Jill has covered the Lakers, and was given a golden opportunity when she made scouting reports for a year, until the decision was made for her to take her talents into the front office. She would become the Assistant General Manager for the Lakers' D-League team, the LA D-Fenders. Despite having to overcome numerous hindrances, Bonnie has battled willingly and was triumphant in trying to forge a name for herself in an industry full of male egos.
"For me, I knew I was jumping into a mans' world," Laflin admits, in a recent interview with BallerStatus.com. "I've been a part of sports since I was 17, when I was cheering for the Golden State Warriors. I always knew there were going be hurdles to jump over everyday, but this was something I've always wanted to do since I was little. I've always said, I was going to run my own team, or own my team. (laughs)"
Because Bonnie is a female, she has definitely received a lot of pressure to succeed, especially with her modeling background being on display.
"I'm scrutinized even more than the average scout and/or employee, not only because I am a woman, but also because of my background," she explained. "If I had came from a different background, I probably wouldn't be under a microscope as much. But, I've gotten used to it. It kind of comes with the territory."
While Bonnie has made her stamp on the league, she has also ventured into other things, such as being a spokesperson for Peta. For a good cause, she bared all for the animal rights organization, specifically a pro-vegetarian campaign earlier this year, advocating that people to not eat meat, and consider a healthier lifestyle in hopes of also preserving the lives of animals.
"I grew up being a cheerleader and I was a model. I grew up a little girl in pageants. So, I always has been the tomboy, but had the little girl inside of me," Laflin said. "That's who I am. And people sometimes think I've taken a different approach than obviously the regular scout or team. But I know my stuff."
Her longed desire of wanting to save the animals, stem from her childhood, as she adored them and loved them with a passion.
"Since I was little, I grew up on a ranch. Cows, pigs and chickens were like peoples' dogs, and cats," explained Bonnie. "As for me, it was that I never wanted to eat cows and chickens because they were like my pets. So, I always had a strong will for animals since I was little, and it hasn't stopped."
In addition, she, of course, is a strong American who has consistently visited Iraq to support the military in their conquest to stablize the country, but more importantly, protect America from malicious deeds from prospective terrorists.
"I'm always supporting those guys. They've done so much for us. I make sure to go over there and say thank you, and bring some piece of America to them. People take for granted what these guys do day in and day out."
As far as fighting temptations, and possibly indulging in a hearty burger, Bonnie-Jill has remained firm in her stance, and has declined on every possible instance to succumb to the scrum.
"Like I said, since I was little I've had animals on my ranch, and I've never desired to eat them. It's like if someone was to say, you know, 'Well, you're missing out.' Well, I don't know what I'm missing. If that makes sense," shesaid with a giggle.
The former Golden State Warriors and Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has profusely engaged in fighting, in cajoling others to relieve themselves for eating meat. Celebrities such as John Salley, who Jill refers to as a "raw vegan", has taken steps into being a vegan and has acknowledged that he is, indeed, in better shape now than when he was playing, all because of his life changing decision. Still, she has remained focused in trying to sway average Americans in taking the correct protocols into being a vegan. But, she has stated, it has been a struggle.
"For celebrites, and athletes, it's a no-brainer because they're so concerned about making sure their body is at the best that it can be," Bonnie explains. "With average Americans, I don't think they seem to care. They don't really care as much about getting in the gym or watching what they eat."
Bonnie continues to fight, and educate those unaware of the unruly decisions they are making to animals. With Bonnie being a huge help in the league's office, and in the real world, her goal of reaching people may come alive sooner than expected.
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