On a recent episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Bill Maher discussed how WNBA newcomer Caitlin Clark has been received by fellow players since her debut in the league.
Maher criticized the treatment Clark has experienced, suggesting that her race and sexuality have influenced her interactions with other players.
Maher highlighted a specific incident involving Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter, who hip-checked Clark during an inbound play, to illustrate his point about the alleged animosity Clark faces. He suggested there is a “racial element” to the treatment of Clark, who is Caucasian, countering the notion that her popularity is solely due to her race.
However, Maher’s guest, Matt Welch, offered a perspective that Clark’s physical play isn’t necessarily racially charged. “It’s also not always racism when black people hip-check them either,” Welch said, suggesting that it’s common for a mega-star to face backlash simply because people grow tired of the constant attention they receive.
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Despite this, Maher attributed the negative treatment of Clark to jealousy, her sexual orientation, and racial dynamics within the league. “Women are catty. The league is very lesbian and she’s not, and there’s race,” he remarked, pointing out multiple factors at play.
Maher also criticized Clark’s teammates for not standing up for her, contrasting this with male athletes who he believes would defend each other more readily. “See, if this was men, they’d defend each other on their same team,” he commented.
This discussion comes in the wake of ESPN host Pat McAfee’s controversial comments about Clark, where he inadvertently called her a “white bitch,” sparking significant backlash. McAfee later apologized, stating, “I shouldn’t have used ‘white bitch’ as a descriptor,” and expressed his regret for not maintaining respect in his language.
Overall, Maher’s segment reflected broader conversations about the complexities of race, popularity, and team dynamics in professional sports, particularly in the WNBA.
