Caitlin Clark has said she just wants to continue focusing on basketball, but her name has been in conversations far from that.
Off the court, there has been discussion, including in WNBA circles, whether race plays a role in her popularity and whether others are jealous of her.
In it, the players seem to attack her a little more.
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Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark celebrates during the game against the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena on June 7, 2024, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)
Chennedy Carter received a flagrant foul after a recent blindside hip check, and Tyasha Harris seemed to take pride in Clark's tough play against the Connecticut Sun. saying it was “seat belt season.”
Clark is simply one of the most polarizing figures in sports, and the stories surrounding her are virtually unprecedented, says a former Pro Bowl wide receiver.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, former NFL receiver Julian Edelman said he's never seen the same type of treatment from a rookie in the NFL, although “some of the quarterbacks maybe get some of these things.” crazy.”
But Edelman said Clark's treatment is comparable to that of an NBA legend.
“I've never seen anything like this since LeBron James came out,” he said.
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark poses for a photo during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
THE WNBA PLAYER WHO MOCKED CAITLIN CLARK HAS A SEVERE MESSAGE FOR NEW FANS
But at the same time, Edelman said the WNBA isn't doing itself any favors by treating Clark like a villain.
“Ultimately, I think it's best for the WNBA. We're sitting here talking about the WNBA with an NFL football player,” the former Super Bowl MVP said. “This is the best you can have for your league. You have your hero, Caitlin Clark, you have the antagonist with [Carter]I think it's a great story and I think it will ultimately help your league. They shouldn't be so against the casual fan who comes and sees this and has an opinion: 'Welcome to a big league in America.'
“But the simple fact that we're talking about this in a lot of different fields and areas and sports, I'm watching the WNBA, and I never watched the WNBA. I have a lot of respect for those girls. You watch the championship games and stuff, but it's “A great story. This is great for their league. This is very similar to MLS and how Messi is, when David Beckham came to MLS, he grew that sport by going for them.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark poses during the team's media day in Indianapolis on May 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy/File)
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Clark's games have continued to dominate both ratings and attendance figures.
He is averaging 15.6 points and six assists per game, both highs for a rookie.
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