Ahead of the Indiana Fever’s game against the Seattle Storm on Friday, analyst Jason Whitlock had an interesting take on Caitlin Clark, one of his favorite WNBA players to discuss. On his “Fearless” show, Whitlock compared Clark to one of the most polarizing figures in NFL history.
“We’re turning Caitlin Clark into a talented version of Tim Tebow. And that should be frightening for her and the WNBA. That someone this talented, who helps with ratings and relevance, we’re turning into this Tim Tebow-like, super divisive [figure]. Either you hate her or you love her. There’s no in between.”
When former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow joined the Denver Broncos in the early 2010s, he drew polarizing responses to his habit of getting down to one knee and praying. This habit, which eventually became known as “Tebowing,” was a strong religious statement by Tebow, whose outspokenness on matters of faith drew both fervent support and sharp criticism.
According to Whitlock, Clark is fast becoming Tebow-like as she figures heavily in a rising political discourse within the WNBA. Just last week, no less than 11 House Republicans sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, asking her to address “repeated attacks” against Clark that might be “racially motivated.”
For her part, Clark has not responded publicly to this letter, though a statement released by the Fever claims that neither the team nor CC was in contact with the members of Congress before their letter was publicized.
Whitlock’s analogy piggybacked on recent comments made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who said that Clark has been getting involved in a “political ping-pong” as of late.
“Bow Down to Her, Cathy Engelbert”: Dave Portnoy Gets Hyped Over Caitlin Clark’s 45-Point Career High vs. Storm
Hours after Whitlock made his comments, Caitlin Clark did her own talking on the basketball court.
In a 110-107 win over the Storm, Clark finished with 10 assists and a career-high 45 points. This performance sent Barstool Sports founder (and renowned CC fan) Dave Portnoy into a frenzy.
“CAITLIN THE GREAT WITH 45!!!!!!10 dimes! 6 of 10 from 3! THE GAME OF THE YEAR! SHE IS BOX OFFICE! SHE IS THE LEAGUE! SHE IS THE MOMENT! THEY HATE HER CAUSE THEY AIN’T HER! BOW DOWN TO HER @kaj33. BOW DOWN TO HER @CathyEngelbert. SHE IS THE QUEEN OF THE @wnba. IF YOU DISAGREE YOU HAVE NO BRAINS!”
Portnoy’s jab at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is in response to an opinion piece in which the NBA legend questioned the notion that Clark is the “face” of the WNBA.
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Fans React as Caitlin Clark Says She Strictly Opposed 4th Quarter Benching vs Storm
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