Caitlin Clark has been at the center of controversy after Alyssa Thomas seemingly hit the Indiana star in the throat during an off-ball scramble in the Fever’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.
With several analysts picking a side in the heated debate that resulted in the WNBA eventually suspending the Mercury star for a game, Emmanuel Acho came up with a bold take on Sunday’s edition of the “Speakeasy” podcast.
Acho said:
“Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA over the necessary threshold it needed. Now people are watching. Now we realize, ‘Oh, there’s talent in the W,’ talent that’s actually even greater than Caitlin Clark.
“And I’m not just talking about bigs like A’ja (Wilson). I’m talking about Olivia Miles. I’m talking about Paige Bueckers. Hell, I’m talking about Kelsey Mitchell. Caitlin got the necessary eyes there. But now that the eyes are there, we don’t necessarily need her anymore.”
According to the former NFL standout, Caitlin Clark has fulfilled her purpose of bringing viewers to the WNBA. However, now the league doesn’t need the former Iowa superstar anymore because she has been more of a “distraction than an additive.”
Acho also brought up the backlash the WNBA received for not putting Clark on the league’s commemorative poster for its 30th anniversary, subtly implying that the association should not be catering to Clark and was under no obligation to include the 24-year-old on the poster.
“Now you’re saying that the WNBA needs to be cognizant of where they put Caitlin Clark on posters. The WNBA and the officials need to alter the rules for Caitlin Clark. The WNBA and opposing players need to treat Caitlin Clark more gently. Caitlin Clark’s coach needs to be cognizant of how she talks to her in public because it’s going to look like there’s an issue.”
Kelsey Mitchell Leads Fever in Win Over Sparks
Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell took over the scoring responsibilities against the Los Angeles Sparks as Clark was announced to sit out for a week amid a back injury.
The Indiana veteran, who is currently in her ninth season with the team, scored 26 points on 9-13 shooting, including 4 of 6 from long range. Aliyah Boston added another 17 points and seven rebounds of her own. Monique Billings and Tyasha Harris also contributed double digits as the team crushed LA in a 24-point blowout.
While there has been no official date for Clark’s return, the Indiana star is expected to return to action against the Las Vegas Aces, according to the timeline provided by the team.
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Lisa Leslie Sparks Caitlin Clark Fan Backlash After Crowning A’ja Wilson ‘Face of the WNBA’
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