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WNBA star Caitlin Clark has lost much of the goodwill she had built with new women’s basketball fans and conservatives. She faced blatant racism from her black opponents during her rookie season in the league, despite being defended by many for her stellar college career at the University of Iowa.
Last week, Clark was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of her impact on the sport and her rapid rise to stardom. Known for her record-breaking performances in college and the WNBA, Clark’s unique playing style focusing on three-pointers and long-range jumpers made her a standout player in the league.
However, Clark’s interview with TIME raised some eyebrows, as she acknowledged her privilege as a white person in the league while emphasizing the importance of elevating black players. Despite facing bigotry and criticism herself, Clark’s comments seemed to cater to the “woke” narrative, which disappointed many of her supporters.
The WNBA, despite low viewership and financial struggles, has seen great performances from black players like Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, and others who have been recognized for their skills. Clark’s willingness to conform to certain narratives in the face of criticism did not sit well with those who admired her for her talent and hard work, regardless of her race.
Clark’s attempts to address criticism from her black peers did not end well, as she faced further backlash and accusations of unfair media coverage. Playing into racial or gender narratives instead of focusing on merit seems to be a losing game for Clark, as she aims to earn the respect of her fellow WNBA players.
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