Seemingly everyone in sports media has weighed in on the controversial incident involving WNBA star Caitlin Clark, and Ryan Clark thinks that’s a big problem.
The ESPN analyst and podcaster said this week on his The Pivot podcast that too many people who know nothing about the WNBA have felt compelled to talk about the controversy that started in a June 1 game, when Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter shoved Indiana Fever star Clark.
That incident has led to rampant speculation about Clark’s rough treatment early in her WNBA career. Some in sports media think fellow WNBA players are jealous of Clark, possibly because of her race or sexuality. Pat McAfee referred to her as a “white b****” (he later apologized). In short, many reporters who have rarely if ever talked about the WNBA in the past have offered very strong opinions on Clark.
Colin Cowherd even defended the fact that most sports media had previously ignored the WNBA, saying, “Because you weren’t that popular. … It’s not my job to make you popular.”
Ryan Clark thinks the influx of sports media who don’t normally follow the WNBA is a serious issue.
“This is the most recognition the WNBA has ever gotten,” Ryan said (via Mediaite) “and what’s crazy is I feel like men are missing the boat. We should probably follow the women that have always supported women’s basketball. We should look at the [Andraya Carter], and the [Chiney Ogwumike], and the [Elle Duncan], and the [Monica McNutt], the [Rebecca Lobo] — all of these people who have always been deep into women’s basketball, whether it be the NCAA or the WNBA.”
Clark also addressed the recent comments by WNBA rookie Cameron Brink, who said “there’s a privilege for the younger white players of the league,” but she hopes to see the league grow.
“That’s what it’s about,” Clark continued on his podcast. “That’s what the women are about; and I think it’s more on the men’s side, we’re being divisive. So, for me, it’s about, ‘How do we watch this game, analyze this game, to continue to elevate this game?’”
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.