WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer
Caitlin Clark’s stellar debut WNBA season earned her the Associated Press (AP) Rookie of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2024. While the latter accolade was expected after Clark’s meteoric rise, it wasn’t without controversy, as a few votes went to other athletes, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif, whose Paris Olympics performance stirred public debate.
Clark secured 35 of the 74 votes from AP journalists, while Biles received 25. Khelif placed third with four votes, despite widespread criticism surrounding her inclusion in the voting due to controversies related to gender debates during her Olympic run. The voting sparked a passionate response from WNBA fans, many of whom took to social media to defend Clark’s win and criticize the panel’s decisions.
“Khelif getting any votes is absurd,” one fan wrote, referencing the backlash surrounding Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing. Others expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the votes, with one quipping, “Must’ve been Caitlin Clark’s ‘privilege’ that got her named Female Athlete of the Year-because dominating the court and redefining women’s basketball isn’t enough anymore.”
WNBA star Caitlin Clark named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. 🏀
Clarke beat Simone Biles who landed in 2nd place, followed my controversial gender row Olympic boxer Imane Khelif in 3rd place. pic.twitter.com/0uJrb2wljJ— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 25, 2024
Clark, who addressed issues of race and privilege in her TIME Athlete of the Year profile, has faced polarized reactions from fans. While many praised her for using her platform to support Black athletes, others criticized her comments as unnecessary or performative. “CC disappointed me with her white privilege crap, but she is very talented. Glad to see an actual woman win this award,” one social media user posted.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. 🏀
Clarke beat Simone Biles who landed in 2nd place, followed my controversial gender row Olympic boxer Imane Khelif in 3rd place. pic.twitter.com/0uJrb2wljJ
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 25, 2024
Caitlin Clark’s historic impact on Women’s Basketball
Despite the drama, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable. ESPN analyst and former AP Female Athlete of the Year Rebecca Lobo praised Clark for bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA. “She’s elevated the sport in a way we’ve never seen before,” Lobo told AP, adding that Clark’s composure under scrutiny has been remarkable.
Clark’s Indiana Fever team shattered attendance records, averaging over 17,000 fans per game, while the WNBA saw a 48% overall increase in attendance compared to the previous season. Her Rookie of the Year campaign was capped by game-changing performances that drew millions of viewers, bolstering the league’s profile.
MORE in MARCA
Paige Spiranac leaves everyone open-mouthed with a daring Farrah Fawcett look: ‘Up close and personal’ | MarcaMarca
Taylor Swift insinuates Travis Kelce that she is ready for a baby after gesture with Brittany Mahomes | MarcaMarca
The uproar over the voting also highlights ongoing cultural debates in sports, with some fans expressing frustration at the inclusion of athletes like Khelif in categories traditionally reserved for women (even if she is one).
As Clark continues to shine, the controversy underscores her dual role as an athlete and cultural figure navigating the complexities of modern sports.
Phoenix Suns Shock Everybody By Sending Superstar Kevin Durant To NBA Heavyweight In Blockbuster Trade Proposal
Kevin Durant (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)A blockbuster trade proposal has the Phoenix Suns setting off fireworks across the NBA by dealing superstar Kevin Durant to a Western Conference juggernaut.
There’s no indication that the Suns are open to dealing Kevin Durant, or that the future Hall of Famer wants out. But the fact remains that Phoenix has one playoff series win in the KD era, and at 12-8 through 20 games, they don’t exactly resemble a championship contender.
If the Suns decide to shake up their All-Star core, Durant has to be the odd man out. Devin Booker isn’t going anywhere, and veteran guard Bradley Beal might have the most untradeable contract in the NBA.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed a mammoth trade idea that has Phoenix sending Kevin Durant back to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton and first-round picks in 2026 and 2029:
“The chemistry between Durant and Curry is unmatched, with the two feeding off each other’s strengths to devastate opposing defenses. If Durant’s time in Phoenix shows signs of stagnating, he could be motivated to initiate a trade to the Warriors—a team he knows will be ready to compete the moment he steps on the floor…
Most importantly, Durant’s departure could also allow Booker to further solidify his role as the franchise player, with Beal supporting him as an experienced scorer who has made the playoffs multiple times. The return for Durant would bring in a mix of young talent and future draft picks, potentially giving the Suns a balanced roster that can grow and adapt as Booker and Beal enter their prime. “
