Dave Portnoy has come to the defense of Caitlin Clark amidst harsh criticism she faced for speaking out about the disparities in the WNBA and racial biases. Recently honored as TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for her impressive rookie season, Clark has been at the center of controversy.
Despite claims that Clark’s popularity single-handedly boosts the WNBA’s appeal, the Indiana Fever player acknowledged the unique privilege she holds as a white player in a predominantly Black league. This admission led to backlash from some social media users accusing her of being “woke.”
In a video posted on his social media accounts, Portnoy expressed his support for Clark, emphasizing her talent and style of play. He refuted claims that her success is solely based on her skin color, affirming that Clark’s skills set her apart in the basketball world.
Portnoy attributed the WNBA’s rise in popularity to Caitlin Clark’s exceptional playing style, asserting that without her, women’s basketball would not receive as much attention. He dismissed the idea that Clark is favored due to her race, highlighting the contributions of various players to her success.
Addressing the criticism around Clark becoming “woke,” Portnoy defended her intentions of promoting the league and advocating for women’s basketball. He criticized those who turn on Clark for acknowledging the efforts of those who came before her in the sport.
Portnoy emphasized that Clark’s dedication is to being the best basketball player she can be and supporting women’s sports, rather than engaging in political or racial discourse. He called out individuals who claim to support Clark but criticize her for standing up for the values she believes in.
