Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest talents in basketball right now. Clark might well end up becoming one of the greatest basketball players. She made her mark on college basketball, and her WNBA career so far is nothing short of special. However, with the rise of her popularity, there has been some resistance from the WNBA players.
Caitlin brought a lot of attention to women’s college basketball. When she got drafted in the league, that attention carried to the WNBA. She broke viewing records left and right. This attention affected a lot of players who had been working hard over the years.
Players did end up talking about how people shouldn’t get carried away with Caitlin’s impact and how every player needs recognition equally. This sentiment has often been taken as a negative connotation by a lot of people. And sports journalist Jason Whitlock seems like one of them.
Whitlock called out the WNBA for ‘poor’ handling of Caitlin Clark’s injury. He believes the WNBA made the “biggest fumble in the history of sports.”
“Women have been fighting for 60 years. We want a place in sports. We want to be the biggest stars in sports. And they finally get the biggest star in sports, and it’s Caitlin Clark. They hate her. They beat her up and brutalize her. But here’s what’s even worse, Caitlin Clark brings attention to the WNBA. She centers all these WNBA basketball players and shines a spotlight on them. And you know what? They’re all hard garbage. They’re all unlikable,” Whitlock presented a rather brutal take (1:50).
“They didn’t get the benefit of Caitlin Clark’s excellence and excitement this year. This is the most disappointing season I’ve ever had as a sports fan because, you know, it was like, ‘Hey, Caitlin Clark, year two. This is going to be amazing.’ And then she misses 30 of the games, and they keep stringing us along. Maybe she’ll come back, maybe she won’t, maybe she’ll come back. They kept it all secret. They’ve kept her hidden from everybody. And so now I feel like I’ve been ripped off,” he added.
One might understand Whitlock’s rant from a place of worry for Caitlin Clark. Many CC fans might agree and relate with his sentiment. However, one might not agree with Whitlock’s words.
Indiana Fever’s game plan without Caitlin Clark
With CC out of the picture for the season, Fever’s playoff chances were hanging in the balance. However, another commanding victory over Angel Reese-less Chicago Sky propelled Fever back into the WNBA playoff spots.
Indiana’s roster is filled with impressive talent. Even with their biggest star sidelined, they can surely put up a fight with that player quality. Sydney Colsen’s arrival from Aces this season provided some much-needed maturity and experience in the squad. CC’s absence has awoken a different beast in both Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull. Even after carrying visible minor injuries to the face, Lexie has proved her grit. Moreover, with the latest addition of South Carolina’s Bree Hall, Fever has some depth.
There is certainly a good chance that Aliyah Boston and co can get the team deeper in the latter stages of the playoffs. But can they pull a miracle and go the distance without Caitlin Clark? Certainly difficult, but certainly not impossible.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
