Caitlin Clark has been at the center of controversy this week, but her family has proven they will always stand by her side. The Indiana Fever rookie and former Iowa Hawkeyes star was recently named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, a recognition that highlights her transformative impact on women’s basketball. However, not everyone was thrilled with the accolade, including Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson, whose critique sparked a heated debate.
Clark’s Historic Rise to Stardom
Clark’s selection as TIME’s Athlete of the Year wasn’t surprising to most fans. Before transitioning to the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick, Clark became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer at Iowa, breaking records and redefining what’s possible in women’s basketball. Her leap to the professional stage has been seamless, with the guard quickly proving she’s a generational talent. Clark’s ability to draw massive crowds and inspire young athletes underscores why she earned the honor.
Sheila Johnson Critiques Clark’s Recognition
While many celebrated Clark’s TIME cover, Sheila Johnson voiced her discontent during an interview on CNN. The Mystics co-owner argued that the magazine’s focus on Clark overlooked the broader talent in the WNBA, particularly players of color who have historically been underrepresented.
“We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized,” Johnson said. “I don’t think we can pin it on just one player. I want to be very diplomatic about this, but it’s the structure of the way media plays out race. I’ve seen so many players of color who are equally talented, and they never got the recognition they should have.”
Johnson also proposed that the WNBA as a whole should have been honored instead of singling out one player. “Why couldn’t they have put the whole WNBA on that cover and said, ‘The WNBA is the league of the year’?” she asked. “Singling out one player creates hard feelings and feeds into stories of racism within the WNBA.”
Colin Clark Fires Back
Caitlin’s younger brother, Colin Clark, wasn’t about to let Johnson’s comments go unanswered. Taking to social media, he shared a tweet highlighting a key achievement tied to his sister’s influence:
“A record 20,711 fans were in attendance for Fever-Mystics tonight—the largest crowd in WNBA history.”
Colin’s response was widely interpreted as a pointed reminder of the tangible impact Caitlin Clark has had on the WNBA. Without directly addressing Johnson, he seemed to suggest that the Mystics owner should appreciate the positive influence Clark has brought to the league, including record-breaking attendance figures.
Fans React to the Drama
Colin’s post quickly gained traction on social media, sparking a wave of reactions. Many fans supported his decision to stand up for his sister, seeing it as a justified response to Johnson’s critique.
“I ain’t mad at him. The billionaire was being ridiculous,” one fan wrote.
“Somebody gotta stand for her. It’s quiet out there,” said another.
“I’m here for it. She can’t afford to be messy, so he’s doing it for her,” a third added.
Caitlin Clark Stays Focused
Amid the ongoing drama, Caitlin Clark has remained silent on the matter. Known for her composure on and off the court, Clark has repeatedly emphasized her ability to block out external noise.
“One of my best skills is just blocking things out,” Clark said in a recent interview. “The only opinions I really care about are the people I love—my teammates, my coaches, the people inside our locker room. I think my best skill is just blocking out the noise, and hopefully, it continues to be.”
Clark also noted the importance of embracing attention as part of her role in growing the WNBA. “With the way things are going and the way the WNBA is growing, you want that attention, and you embrace it. That’s what makes this so fun.”
The Bigger Picture
This controversy highlights ongoing conversations about representation and recognition in sports. While Clark’s achievements are undeniable, Johnson’s comments shed light on systemic issues regarding race and media coverage.
At the same time, the record-breaking attendance at Clark’s games illustrates her extraordinary ability to draw fans to the league, benefiting all WNBA players.
As Clark continues her rookie season, she remains a trailblazer for women’s basketball, balancing the pressure of the spotlight with her unwavering focus on the game.
With a strong support system—including her outspoken younger brother—Clark is well-equipped to navigate the challenges that come with her growing influence.
