Megan Rapinoe has come to the defense of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, taking aim at conservative critics who reacted angrily to Clark’s remarks on race and privilege. Clark, who had a record-breaking rookie season with the Indiana Fever in 2024, became the subject of heated debate after being named TIME Athlete of the Year and addressing race dynamics in basketball during her interview with the magazine.
Caitlin Clark’s Controversial Comments
In the TIME interview, Clark, 22, acknowledged the historical contributions of Black players in shaping the WNBA and noted, “As a white person, there is privilege.” While her comments were praised by some as an honest and reflective acknowledgment, they also drew significant backlash.
Notably, commentator and podcaster Megyn Kelly accused Clark of “self-flagellation,” while Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a vocal supporter of Clark, dismissed the idea that her success in the WNBA was influenced by her race.
Clark’s remarks have sparked widespread discourse, with critics arguing she went too far in her acknowledgment of privilege, while others say her words represent much-needed honesty about systemic inequalities in sports.
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Megan Rapinoe Responds to the Backlash
Rapinoe, the former U.S. Women’s National Team soccer captain, has stepped in to defend Clark, criticizing the fiery reaction from conservative figures as revealing deeper issues in American society.
“I think what Caitlin did in her quotes, or in the article, was speak explicitly about her White privilege, and that is what is receiving so much criticism or backlash, and that is the lesson,” Rapinoe said in an interview. “So, you know, for conservative media coming at her now, they’re just showing their whole a**.”
Rapinoe further argued that the backlash against Clark underscores resistance to acknowledging uncomfortable truths about race.
“If fans are upset about her saying that and just acknowledging what is true, I think that says a lot,” Rapinoe added. “The more that you speak directly to it, the clearer it becomes what your stance is, and then you can’t be used in that way. It doesn’t leave your beliefs or your stance as a white player open to any sort of interpretation.”
Race and Recognition in the WNBA
Clark’s comments come amid ongoing conversations about race in the WNBA. During her rookie season, Clark faced accusations of being a victim of jealousy and bullying from her peers, as well as claims that Black players often do not receive the recognition they deserve.
In her TIME interview, Clark emphasized the importance of elevating Black women in sports, stating, “The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”
These remarks reflect broader discussions within the league about systemic disparities and how privilege and race intersect in professional basketball.
Rapinoe on Divisive Narratives in Women’s Sports
Rapinoe also took the opportunity to highlight what she sees as a persistent issue in women’s sports: the proliferation of divisive narratives whenever female athletes achieve success. She pointed out how positive stories in women’s sports are often clouded by controversy or conflict.
“Anytime there is a positive story in women’s sports, the area is immediately flooded with divisive narratives,” Rapinoe said. “It’s just like immediately flooded with insanity and really divisive narratives.”
Rapinoe urged athletes and fans alike to recognize when these narratives are being weaponized to overshadow progress in women’s sports.
“As athletes, we need to be smart about when our words or narratives are being used by others to further these divisive agendas,” she said. “There’s this ecosystem of people who genuinely care about women’s sports—athletes, fans, owners, teams. But we need to be aware of how quickly positive moments can be hijacked by toxic narratives.”
A Call for Reflection and Progress
Clark’s comments and the subsequent fallout highlight the ongoing challenges female athletes face when speaking out on social issues. Rapinoe’s defense of Clark underscores the importance of continuing these conversations, even in the face of backlash.
Both athletes appear committed to pushing boundaries and addressing inequality within their respective sports. While the backlash to Clark’s remarks reveals the entrenched resistance to acknowledging privilege and systemic inequities, it also serves as a reminder of the progress still needed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment in sports.
As women’s sports continue to grow in prominence, athletes like Clark and Rapinoe are using their platforms to drive meaningful dialogue, ensuring that issues of race, privilege, and representation remain part of the conversation.
