ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has suggested that some Black WNBA players might be feeling envious of Caitlin Clark, the number one overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, who has been facing notably aggressive play and flagrant fouls early in her professional career.
“There are girls – young ladies – in the WNBA who are jealous of Caitlin Clark. She is a White girl that has come into the league,” Smith commented on his Monday show. “She has burst onto the scene. She hasn’t proven herself yet. It’s not even about them thinking they’re better than her because they probably know it at this particular juncture because they’ve been playing on a level she just arrived to.”
Smith argued that instead of jealousy, there should be an appreciation of Clark’s impact, suggesting that players could benefit from the attention she brings to the league while still competing fiercely on the court.
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The notion that Clark is facing jealousy from her peers has sparked discussion, suggesting that some established WNBA stars are skeptical about the hype surrounding her entry into the league. This kind of scrutiny, while not uncommon for rookies, has been especially pronounced in Clark’s case.
The topic has even reached sports commentators outside of basketball. “Reverse the races and it’s the biggest story in the country. The woman takes their league to a new level but they hate her because she’s white and really, really good. The WNBA is full of bitter, jealous mean girls. Caitlin Clark is too good for them,” stated Boston sports radio host Gerry Callahan.
Rich Ohrnberger, a former NFL player, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Players in this league have been fighting for attention for a long time… Caitlin Clark showed up and was crowned superstar before she even laced up her basketball shoes. Players are jealous. It’s hard not to be…but she’s THE reason people are tuning in.”
However, as sports broadcaster MAGGIE Gray noted, a bit of jealousy can be natural and even beneficial, highlighting the competitive spirit in sports: “If other WNBA players are jealous of Caitlin Clark…that’s okay! Competition in all areas is to be expected. Rivalries grow every sport.”
Ultimately, these discussions, while potentially uncomfortable, can serve to increase interest and viewership for the WNBA, highlighting the league’s dynamics and the talents of its players.
