ESPN writer Howard Bryant said Caitlin Clark’s on-court behavior is the primary reason players may not like her, and that the race factor has no bearing. Bryant believes that if the Indiana Fever superstar has the ability to bring fiery energy, she should be able to accept the backlash that comes with it.
Bryant appeared on “The Right Time With Bomani Jones” on Tuesday to weigh in on the growing debate over players allegedly targeting Clark.
“I argue that this is not a racial question. I think people don’t like her. … It’s almost like a bit of hocus-pocus, right? She’s a popular player but not a particularly likeable player because of her on-court behavior, right? Like, how are you gonna go out there and make a whole bunch of threes and stick your tongue out and get up in people’s faces and then cry about every trip down court?
“You’re either in it, or you’re not in it, right? I mean, can you have it both ways? Can you look and scream at the ref, ‘That’s a foul,’ every time you have the ball? Right? And then when you make a shot, (you’re) mean-mugging in somebody’s face and not handle it. Are you tough or are you not tough? Which one is it?”
Caitlin Clark has often chalked that behavior down to her competitive spirit, which she claims to have had since her childhood. She once said her teachers had to talk to her parents about her temperament.
Clark more recently addressed this on June 4, when she admitted that her body language can be an issue but also gives her an edge.
“It’s something I can always work on,” Clark said. “You go back and you look in the mirror. I’m competitive and I have an edge, and I think at the same time that’s what makes me great. That competitive fire and that drive and that passion, that joy and that edge — that’s what people come to watch. That’s what they love.”
Clark said that some of the best players in the world have that drive, and while “it’s not always pretty,” it doesn’t make them bad.
Howard Bryant rejects claims that players are “fumbling the bag” by amping up defense against Caitlin Clark
A common argument from Caitlin Clark’s supporters is that WNBA players and the league are ruining their own product and chances of success by being so physical with the Indiana Fever superstar. Clark’s arrival has drawn more eyeballs to the WNBA, with viewership and attendance numbers drastically spiking.
The league also saw a historic CBA agreement come to fruition, opening the door for players to sign million-dollar contracts and enjoy other benefits. However, Howard Bryant rejected the argument that players are “fumbling the bag” by targeting Clark.
“Let’s not forget the number of black men and you know, some of them being ex-NBA players, who really did place (it) on her (and say), ‘Oh my god, if you breathe on her you’re fumbling the bag,’ right?” Bryant said on Bomani Jones’ show. “This whole idea that these black women were actively trying to destroy not just her [Clark] but the league’s financial future. I mean, she’s not in bubble wrap. … Like you go out and play.”
He implied these former NBA players are the same ones who complained about not being able to play physically against Michael Jordan.
Caitlin Clark is a polarizing figure in sports, so it’s unlikely that these conversations will fade anytime soon.
Read more:
- “I Think This When They Do It to Caitlin Clark As Well”: Jason Whitlock Praises Olivia Miles With a Pinch of Salt
- “She Always Hated Caitlin Clark”: WNBA Fans React As Chicago Sky Star Makes Honest Admission About Indiana Star
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