Robert Griffin III has become an ardent supporter of the WNBA, particularly when it comes to defending rising star Caitlin Clark from her critics. The former NFL quarterback and ex-ESPN analyst recently took to social media to address the perceived animosity some WNBA players have towards Clark, who has been making waves in the league since being drafted No. 1 overall this year.
Clark, known for her record-breaking performances, has drawn significant attention throughout the season. However, not all of her fellow WNBA players seem thrilled about the spotlight she’s been receiving. This tension resurfaced on Sunday when Clark had a minor on-court incident with Seattle Storm’s Skylar Diggins-Smith. Additionally, Storm star Jewell Loyd avoided answering a question about Clark during a postgame press conference, fueling the narrative of discontent.
Griffin was quick to call out what he perceived as resentment from Clark’s peers. “It’s VERY CLEAR WNBA players are tired of Caitlin Clark getting all the shine and being the focal point of every discussion,” Griffin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s beyond competitiveness and physical play. They don’t even want to answer questions about her. If they don’t like it, THEN STOP HER.”
Clark has been nothing short of sensational, shattering records for both the Indiana Fever and the WNBA. In Sunday’s game against the Storm, she set a new league record for total assists by a rookie with 225, surpassing a 26-year-old mark. Despite her impressive achievements, the apparent cold shoulder from some of her colleagues has reignited discussions about how Clark is viewed within the league.
RELATED: Seattle Storm Player Declines to Discuss Caitlin Clark’s Rookie of the Year Prospects After Loss
The incident with Diggins-Smith, who bumped Clark’s shoulder during the game, and Loyd’s refusal to discuss Clark postgame have led to a flurry of reactions from sports commentators. Shannon Sharpe, a well-known figure in sports media, didn’t hold back on his “Night Cap” podcast. “Y’all [are] mad because that corn-fed Iowa girl [is] busting your ass. Y’all said she’s too weak. ‘She can’t do this.’ She’s leading the WNBA in assists. She’s cooking. Let her cook! Let her cook!” Sharpe exclaimed.
Clark, along with fellow rookie Angel Reese, has quickly become one of the faces of the WNBA. Both players are enjoying stellar debut seasons, with Reese also setting records of her own. Griffin, in another post on Monday night, praised the duo, highlighting their impact on the league.
“Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese aren’t playing like rookies. They are TAKING THE WNBA BY STORM in their own way,” Griffin wrote. He went on to detail their accomplishments, noting Reese’s record-setting pace with double-doubles and Clark’s impressive scoring and playmaking.
“The WNBA is in good hands for the foreseeable future,” Griffin added, underscoring his belief that the league’s future stars are already making their mark.
Griffin’s public support for Clark and Reese comes at a time of transition for him personally. Last Thursday, it was announced that ESPN had decided to part ways with Griffin, reportedly due to budget cuts. The decision ended Griffin’s role at the network, where he had been pulled from “Monday Night Countdown” in May to make room for recently retired NFL star Jason Kelce.
Griffin has promised to address his departure from ESPN soon, taking to social media to assure his followers that he will “answer” questions about his firing from the network.
As Griffin navigates his next steps, his outspoken defense of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese signals his continued engagement with the world of sports, even as his role within it evolves.
