Skip Bayless recently opened up about his internal conflict when it came to praising Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, admitting that he felt “guilty” acknowledging her talent because he didn’t want to be perceived as a “red state guy.” On Thursday’s episode of The Skip Bayless Show, the outspoken sports commentator shared how his upbringing and personal experiences have shaped the way he navigates conversations about race in sports.
Bayless, who is no stranger to controversial opinions, reflected on the complexity of race and public perception when it comes to covering athletes like Clark.
When Bayless first saw Clark play, he was immediately impressed by her skills on the court. “Here came this White girl from Iowa,” Bayless said. “And I started watching the WNBA much more closely than I ever had, and I started to think deep down in my psyche, ‘Wait a second, she’s really good.’” However, despite being blown away by her talent, Bayless admitted that he felt conflicted about expressing his admiration publicly. “I’ll be the first to admit I felt guilty saying so on TV or on social media. I did not want to look like this red state white guy cheering for this red state White girl.”
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The discourse surrounding Clark has, at times, taken on a toxic edge, particularly as her rise to stardom has been compared to other athletes, notably Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.
Discussions of race and identity have become entangled in the way Clark is perceived, especially when juxtaposed with Reese, a Black athlete who also garners significant attention. Bayless acknowledged that, through no fault of her own, Clark had become a symbol in a much larger cultural conversation.
“Our country feels split enough racially already,” Bayless said, reflecting on how Clark’s growing popularity has been framed. “I didn’t want to pour gasoline on that fire. Maybe I was wrong about this, but Caitlin Clark started to feel like, to me, some sort of new right-wing symbol. ‘White woman dominating a game that has been dominated by Black men and women for years and years.’ I could almost hear some people thinking, ‘White power, baby!’”
Bayless’ comments shed light on the broader tensions that arise when sports become a proxy for larger social and political issues. Clark’s excellence on the court has unfortunately become a focal point for some to fuel divisive narratives about race, as Bayless pointed out.
His hesitation to fully embrace her publicly was rooted in not wanting to contribute to the racial polarization he feels is already so prevalent in the country.
The intersection of race, sports, and identity is a complicated and often volatile space, as Bayless’ remarks highlight. While Caitlin Clark’s talent is undeniable, the way she is perceived—and the narratives that are built around her—illustrate how even something as universal as athletic excellence can be politicized.
For Bayless, his internal struggle was less about Clark’s abilities and more about the societal implications of praising her in a racially charged environment.
