Caitlin Clark has been in the news and the subject of countless social media debates lately.
That’s nothing out of the ordinary. Except that this time, the discussion isn’t about her trademark logo 3-pointers or her amazing court vision and passing.
An incident in which Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas landed a fist to Clark’s throat during a game last week has called attention to the animosity that exists around the WNBA toward the Indiana Fever star.
Clark’s coach, Stephanie White, has gone on the record to complain about the “cheap shots” her player regularly endures and a perceived lack of respect Clark receives from the league’s officials. It’s a viewpoint punctuated by the fact that no foul was called on the play involving Thomas, who was slapped with a one-game suspension after a postgame review.
This was only the latest in a series of incidents in which Clark ended up on the wrong end of physical play, many of which have involved long-time rival Angel Reese, while officials seemingly look the other way.
Until she reacts angrily or retaliates. Then they’re quick to hit her with technical fouls. She’s already received five this season.
To be fair, Clark is no Angel (pun intended). Like most great competitors, she’ll do whatever it takes to win. And she has a mean streak that often comes out in the heat of battle.
But that’s not the point here. Regardless of whether Clark is being picked on and if so, who’s to blame, there is an indisputable air of resentment toward her by many around the league.
Some of that is understandable.
While Clark’s talent has never been questioned – she’s averaging 21.2 points and 8.2 assists per game, totals that rank third and second in the league – the source of the backlash is that she was given the accolades she’s received without first having to pay her dues.
Think Jeff Gordon in NASCAR or Tim Tebow in football.
Clark was hailed as the new face of the WNBA before she ever played her first professional game because of her success in college, her incredible shooting range and the attention that was heaped upon her by the cult of personality that is ESPN. She was showered with endorsements, nominated for ESPYs and given celebrity status, perks that were not only viewed as an insult to established stars such as multiple-time MVPs A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, but right or wrong, begged an uncomfortable question.
Would Clark be hyped as much as she is if she wasn’t white?
Again, the answer to that question is not the point here. Regardless of the reason, Clark IS the player most often associated with the WNBA to most casual sports fans. As such, she should be treated as an asset rather than an annoyance.
Deserved or not, her arrival in 2024 has led directly to a significantly higher profile for the league. In fan interest, media coverage and national relevance.
And she’s not the only one who has benefitted.
In at least one important way, she is to women’s basketball what Tiger Woods was to golf.
Like Clark, Woods was originally looked upon as undeserving by his fellow competitors when he introduced himself to the world as a superstar prodigy in a 1996 Nike commercial. But as his presence on the course led to higher television ratings, increased prize money and greater visibility for everyone else on the PGA Tour, it didn’t take long for their attitude toward him to soften.
They embraced him because Woods was their meal ticket. Already, the Caitlin Clark Effect is spilling over into the bank accounts of others.
In April, Wilson signed a three-year, fully guaranteed $5 million contract to stay with the Las Vegas Aces, the largest in WNBA history. Her previous deal was worth $200,000 annually. Wilson also got a six-year contract extension from Nike, while she, Chiney Ogwumike and Sabrina Ionescu were recently featured in an ad campaign for CarMax. Page Bueckers (Gatorade, Secret Deodorant, Door Dash), Sophie Cunningham (Yrefy) and Aliya Boston (Adidas) have all appeared in national television commercials – opportunities that would not likely have been available before Clark came along.
Only time will tell if the rest of Clark’s WNBA rivals will learn to put their jealousy aside on their way to the bank and come to a similar realization as Woods’ foes. Instead of punching her in the throat, they should start patting her on the back and thanking her.
–photo courtesy of Fever Basketball.com