Controversial WNBA Figure Caitlin Clark Faces Off-Court Challenges
Caitlin Clark quickly became a controversial figure in the WNBA, not for her on-court performance but due to the off-court narratives surrounding her. Before even suiting up for the Iowa Fever, Clark had already become a media sensation due to her stellar college career, which led to her being the number one overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Some WNBA players believed Clark’s popularity was influenced by her being white. “I think it’s a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and white, but to me, it is,” Las Vegas Aces player A’ja Wilson told reporters on May 12, according to the Associated Press.
Fans have also used Clark’s image to promote racially insensitive, sexist, and homophobic dialogue. “People should not be using my name to push those agendas. It’s disappointing. It’s not acceptable,” Clark said in an interview with ESPN on June 14.
College Controversies and Heartbreak
These negative comments began when Clark was still in college. The rumored feud between Clark and Angel Reese sparked discussions of race in April 2023. Reese faced backlash for mimicking Clark’s “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture during the championship game, with many pointing out a double standard in criticizing Reese but not Clark for the same gesture. That game ended up being one of the most heart-wrenching of Clark’s career.
Caitlin Clark Sheds Tears After Heartbreaking Loss
Caitlin Clark was visibly emotional when her University of Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers in the 2023 Women’s NCAA Basketball Championship on April 2, 2023. “I don’t think it’s gonna set in for me for quite some time,” she said at the post-game press conference, wiping away tears. “I want my legacy to be the impact I can have on young kids… I hope I brought them a lot of joy this season.” Despite the tough loss, Clark expressed pride in her team’s accomplishments.
A couple of days later, Clark appeared more composed but still affected by the loss. “It’s honestly probably pretty hard for me to wrap my head around… I’m just kind of sad it’s over,” she said on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” on April 4, 2023.
White House Invitation Controversy
Following the title game, First Lady Jill Biden suggested that both teams should be invited to the White House, a departure from the tradition of inviting only the winners. Clark declined the offer, stating, “I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them,” during her appearance on “SportsCenter.” These setbacks foreshadowed the challenges Clark would face in the WNBA.
Bullying by Other WNBA Players
Clark immediately encountered the physicality of the WNBA. On June 1, Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky body-checked Clark while she was waiting for the ball to be inbounded. Many fans believed Carter had targeted Clark, but Clark dismissed it as part of the game. “Heat of the moment play. We’re getting at it. We’re getting back and forth. It’s basketball,” Clark told reporters. Carter denied the hit was intentional, saying, “So I’m just saying, don’t form an opinion off of one little clip.”
The incident went viral, sparking outrage among WNBA fans. Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, a former co-owner of the Atlanta Dream, criticized the league for not protecting Clark, tweeting on June 4, “Instead of being welcomed, she’s physically and verbally attacked.”
Awkward Reporter Interaction
Before even playing a WNBA game, Clark faced an awkward situation during her introduction press conference on April 17. IndyStar reporter Gregg Doyel made the moment uncomfortable by flashing a heart sign with his hands, which Clark did in college for her family. The interaction quickly turned awkward, leading to backlash against Doyel, who issued an apology and faced a suspension from the Indy Star. When he returned, he was barred from attending Fever games.
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Caitlin Clark’s Emotional Rookie Struggles
Transitioning from an NCAA star to the pros proved rocky for Clark. “Honestly, I feel like I talk to the media more than I get to talk to my own family… which is really kind of sad, in a way,” she said on May 24. The constant travel and media attention took a toll on her mental health. “I think the biggest thing is mental health is very important,” she added.
Navigating a new city and league proved challenging. “Like, I’m only 22 years old,” Clark said on June 15. To avoid distractions, she stayed off social media and eventually deleted her VSCO account around June 23.
Olympic Team Snub
Clark’s omission from the 2024 Olympics roster sparked controversy. Despite being a rookie, many believed her college achievements and popularity should have secured her a spot. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could’ve gone either way of me being on the team, me not being on the team,” Clark said on June 9.
Fans and commentators were outraged. Barstool’s Dave Portnoy called it “the dumbest s*** I’ve ever heard,” while Jason Whitlock accused the WNBA of choosing “bigotry over business.” Casey Wasserman, president of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, also criticized the decision, calling it a “missed opportunity.”
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