Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho made a controversial take on Caitlin Clark, which quickly drew a blunt response from college basketball insider Jeff Goodman.
On SpeakEasy Acho argued that Clark has become more of a distraction than an asset for the league at its current stage.
“The ‘W’ at this junction in time would be better without Caitlin Clark because she is a bigger distraction than she is an additive,” Acho said. “Caitlin got the necessary eyes there. But now that the eyes are there, we don’t necessarily need her anymore.”
Acho’s remarks quickly spread across social media, prompting an immediate reaction from CBS Sports and Field of 68 basketball analyst Jeff Goodman.
“And I believe we have the WORST take of 2026,” he wrote on X while quoting Acho’s comments.
Goodman’s response reflected the disbelief shared by many basketball fans who acknowledge Clark’s impact on the WNBA.
Since entering the league, Clark has played a significant role in boosting television ratings for the WNBA.
Debate Over Caitlin Clark’s Impact on the WNBA
Despite acknowledging Clark’s influence in bringing new audiences to WNBA, Acho argued that the league has now reached a point where it doens’ tneed to rely so on the Fever guard.
Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA over the necessary threshold they needed. Now, people are watching. Now we realize, there’s talent in the WNBA, talent that’s actually greater than Caitlin Clark. And I’m not just talking bigs like A’ja. I’m talking about the Olivia Miles, the Paige Bueckers, I’m talking about the Kelsey Mitchells,” he said.
The WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for one game after reviewing the play, Fever head coach Stephanie White also criticized the officiating and argued that Clark was not treated properly.
Despite all the controversies its hard to igore Clark’s impact on the league. She played 17 games this season, averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game.
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