WNBA star Caitlin Clark, one of the league’s brightest young talents, has found herself at the center of a heated debate following comments she made about white privilege in an interview with TIME Magazine. While some have criticized Clark for her remarks, Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas stepped in to defend the Indiana Fever guard, offering a sharp rebuke to those taking issue with Clark’s stance.
Caitlin Clark’s TIME Magazine Remarks
In the TIME interview, Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, spoke candidly about race and privilege in sports, saying:
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege. The WNBA was built on Black players, and we need to acknowledge that. If people want to support me, I hope they invest in the league as a whole.”
Clark’s comments were intended to spotlight the contributions of Black athletes to the WNBA’s history and encourage broader investment in the league. However, they quickly drew criticism, particularly from former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, who took to social media to criticize Clark’s approach.
Riley Gaines Fires Back, Gabby Thomas Steps In
Gaines, known for her outspoken views, took issue with Clark’s remarks, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“No one was asking for Caitlin Clark to position herself as a right-wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She’s a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play & achieve, so I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one.”
Thomas, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and prominent voice in sports, was quick to clap back at Gaines, replying:
“Girl, are you fr??? You don’t have to share your opinion on everything. Just sit this one out.”
Thomas didn’t stop there. She followed up with a post addressing the broader controversy surrounding Clark’s comments:
“First of all, she doesn’t ‘have’ to do anything. The same way she doesn’t ‘have’ to remain neutral. I didn’t say anything when she was neutral, tbh, and I’m not going to criticize her now either. But to ignore race dynamics in sport is just… sigh.”
Thomas also emphasized that Clark shouldn’t have to apologize for acknowledging the Black athletes who paved the way for the WNBA:
“To recognize and honor the players who came before you, and to acknowledge systemic realities, shouldn’t spark backlash. It’s just showing respect.”
A History of Mutual Respect
Thomas’s defense of Clark comes from a place of mutual admiration. The two athletes met earlier this year at a Fever game, and their interaction showcased the camaraderie between top-tier athletes from different sports.
Recalling their first meeting, Thomas said, via NBC News:
“We were hiding next to their locker room and waiting for them to run out. The entire team was floored, and Caitlin was so shocked. It’s so fun to see the support and excitement that athletes have for one another.”
This interaction, shared across social media, painted a picture of mutual respect between Clark and Thomas, making Thomas’s defense of Clark all the more meaningful.
Clark Stays Silent Amid Backlash
As of now, Clark has not responded publicly to either the backlash or the support she has received from figures like Thomas. It’s likely she’s choosing to focus on her game and block out the noise. After all, her rookie season with the Fever has been historic, and she continues to break records and draw unprecedented attention to the league.
Moving Forward
This incident underscores the challenges athletes face when speaking out on societal issues. For Clark, her comments were meant to foster inclusivity and respect for the WNBA’s history, yet they sparked a divisive debate. Gabby Thomas’s strong defense highlights the importance of supporting athletes who choose to use their platforms for meaningful dialogue.
As Clark continues her promising career in the WNBA, she will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight—both for her incredible talent and her willingness to engage in important conversations about the dynamics of sports and society.
