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Caitlin Clark, the WNBA rookie phenom, has completed her first professional season and has already made a significant impact on the league. In just one year, Clark has attracted numerous new fans, helping the league set attendance and TV ratings records.
However, Clark does not condone all of the league’s new followers.
During the Indiana Fever’s exit interviews following the team’s playoff loss to the Connecticut Sun, Clark was questioned about a statement issued by the WNBA condemning “racist, derogatory, or threatening comments” directed at players, coaches, and other league figures.
The statement was in response to Sun forward Alyssa Thomas accusing Fever fans of racism.
Clark criticized anyone following the WNBA who makes prejudiced comments towards players.
“Those individuals are not fans. They are trolls,” Clark stated. “No one in our league should face any form of racism, disrespect, or hurtful remarks and threats.”
Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas directly pointed at Indiana Fever fans after the team’s playoff victory, while her teammate, DiJonai Carrington, shared an email she received filled with racial slurs on Instagram.
Race and racism have been prominent topics surrounding Clark’s impact and the attention she has brought to women’s basketball in recent years.
Meanwhile, several opponents, including longtime rival Angel Reese, have claimed to experience racist attacks from Clark’s fans.
Reese accused Clark’s fans of being racist and attacking her online during an episode of her podcast.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy reposted a video with negative comments directed at Reese, contributing to the ongoing controversy.
DiJonai Carrington, who clashed with Clark during a game, previously criticized Clark for not speaking out against racism among her fans.
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