Caitlin Clark’s issues with Christie Sides come to light and justify her firing from Indiana Fever
Sides was replaced by Stephanie White
Caitlin ClarkLAPRESSE
Asenior journalist for TIME says that Christie Sides‘ lack of detailed gameplans is why she was fired from the Indiana Fever, despite leading the organization to their first WNBA Playoffs since 2016.
The 47-year-old led them to take on the Connecticut Sun in the First Round after amassing a 20-20 regular season record, but they were swept 2-0 after suffering 93-69 and 87-81defeats at the Mohegan Sun Arena in September.
Then just over a month later, she was fired from her post and replaced by the Sun’s Stephanie White who had taken her side all the way to the semifinals after collecting a 28-12 record as they finished second in the Eastern Conference.
And according to Sean Gregory, part of the reason why the Fever moved for White is how detailed her gameplans were, something which appeared to impress the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year and TIME Athlete of the Year.
“I mentioned to Stephanie, ‘Caitlin really was impressed with your gameplan,'” Gregory recalled to The Sports Media Podcast. “Caitlin said, ‘We never really had the best gameplans back.’
“I heard that and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I’m sure Christie Sides doesn’t love hearing that.”
Whilst Sides and Clark were spotted arguing at times throughout the 2024 WNBA season, the decision to axe the coach is something the 22-year-old firmly distanced herself from, despite her star power.
The ex-Iowa Hawkeye is regarded as the biggest name within the sport at the moment and as a franchise player, and potentially an era-defining star, the Fever are very interested in keeping her happy.
But Clark bluntly denied her role in the decision as she said to TIME, “I’m actually not the general manager of the team.”
Who do the Fever play in Week 1?
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The Indiana Fever will look to push on in the WNBA to look to hand themselves a stronger position in the postseason in 2025 after a successful 2024, where they improved on their .325 record from the previous year.
And it’s a big game for them on opening night on Saturday, May 17 as they take on Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tip-off expected at 18:00 ET/15:00 PT. Tickets are available for $165.
Caitlin Clark faces backlash over comments on race, privilege, and success in the WNBA
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark.
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark has sparked intense discussions with her recent statements, showcasing a level of self-awareness that has left fans divided. Known for her incredible talent on the court and her impact on women’s basketball, Clark’s comments about privilege and race have added a new dimension to her public persona.
Throughout her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, Clark faced cultural debates, with some attributing her immense popularity and financial success not only to her skill but also to her race. Players like Angel Reese and WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson weighed in on the matter, with Wilson stating that Clark being White played a “huge thing” in her widespread recognition. Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington even criticized Clark for not addressing racism more openly in the past.
