Leonard Greene: WNBA star Caitlin Clark has to deal with petty players and bigoted fans

Caitlin Clark Faces Petty Players and Racist Fans: The Harsh Reality for the WNBA Star

Caitlin Clark, the new sensation of the WNBA, has taken the women’s basketball world by storm, filling arenas and breaking records. However, her rise to stardom has not been without controversy. Clark has faced criticism from both sides of the court: on one side, petty players who believe her “star” status is due solely to her being white, and on the other, fans who accuse her of not speaking out forcefully enough against the racism directed toward these players.

In her rookie season, Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year, but she fell one vote short of a unanimous decision: 66 to 1. The lone vote against her went to her top rival, Angel Reese, who led the league in rebounds before an injury sidelined her. Despite the criticism, Clark remained humble, thanking everyone who supported her throughout the season.

Tensions escalated after an incident where her teammate, DiJonai Carrington, accidentally poked Clark in the eye during a game. Following the event, Carrington and other Black players faced racist comments on social media. Alyssa Thomas, one of Carrington’s teammates, revealed she had never been subjected to such offensive remarks before. Tired of the ongoing racism, Clark herself condemned the hateful attacks, stating that no player in the league should be subjected to racism or threats.

Clark has also been the target of jealousy from some players, who argue that her fame is linked to her race—a situation reminiscent of what Larry Bird faced during his career. But, like Bird, Clark has proven her talent is undeniable. The real issue lies not with her but with narrow-minded fans and corporate entities that fuel these divisions.

Nike, which signed Clark to a shoe deal, has faced criticism for not promoting her adequately, possibly out of concern about alienating the WNBA’s Black players and fans. Yet, Clark’s success benefits all players. The endorsement deals, sold-out arenas, and increased TV revenue are putting money in everyone’s pockets. If anyone needs to “shut up and dribble,” it’s the players who fail to see that Clark’s rise lifts the entire league.