No one had “Russell Westbrook’s wife feuding with ESPN analyst Ryan Clark” on their bingo card, but that’s exactly what unfolded recently.
The drama began on Friday morning’s episode of Get Up, when Clark, a former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst, made a bold comparison between Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and NBA star Russell Westbrook. Clark likened Jackson’s current performance to Westbrook’s, implying that while both athletes can put up impressive stats, they struggle when it matters most.
“Lamar Jackson right now is like Russell Westbrook,” Clark said during the segment. “We watch Russell Westbrook throughout the regular season and even in the playoffs have these great statistical games. When he and Dame Lillard went head-to-head, and it got emotional, he couldn’t make a shot. That’s the difference right now between Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.”
The comment didn’t sit well with Westbrook’s wife, Nina, who caught wind of the comparison on social media. Instead of letting it slide, Nina Westbrook took to Instagram to voice her frustration with Clark’s remarks, directly addressing what she saw as an unnecessary and unfounded critique of her husband.
“My goodness,” Nina replied in the comment section. “Just as a basketball fan, we couldn’t even wait for the NBA season to start up before the Russell slander begins?”
But Nina didn’t stop there. She expanded on why she found Clark’s comparison to be unfair and frustrating. “This doesn’t make any sense,” she continued. “The only comparison to be made between Russell and Lamar is that they’re both unicorns and amazing at what they do. I’ve never met Ryan, and I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but please stop.”
Nina further emphasized that the constant criticism of Westbrook, who has faced scrutiny throughout his NBA career, was becoming tiresome. “And finally… before you start hating on Russell, at least let the basketball season start and let him miss a layup or something first. I’m still enjoying the peace and the silence.”
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Nina Westbrook’s response quickly went viral, garnering attention from fans who either supported her defense or took sides with Clark’s analysis. Regardless, her message was loud and clear: she’s not here for what she considers premature slander of her husband’s name.
As of now, Ryan Clark has not responded to Nina Westbrook’s remarks. But given her strong defense, it’s likely that Clark may think twice before making another comparison involving Russell Westbrook on national television.
For many, the exchange highlighted just how protective and outspoken Nina Westbrook is when it comes to defending her husband.
It also served as a reminder that comparisons between athletes in different sports, especially when they veer into critical territory, are bound to stir emotions and reactions from fans, family members, and even the athletes themselves.
