Caitlin Clark Is Catching Major Backlash For Pointing Out Her Privilege While Making Head-Scratching Comment About “Black Women” In The WNBA
Caitlin Clark (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark is speaking out like she has never spoken before.
After being the subject of cultural debates throughout her rookie season, the Indiana Fever superstar admitted to feeling “privilege” as a White woman.
That was only the first part of her shocking statement that had fans going nuts.
The WNBA phenom was named Time’s Athlete of the Year after she elevated women’s basketball to unprecedented heights.
After she entered the league, several comments were made about Caitlin Clark only receiving the attention and money she gets because she is good at basketball and white.
Players like Angel Reese said there had been “a lot of racism” from Iowa and Indiana Fever fans, while WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson said Clark being White was a “huge thing” when it came to her popularity.
Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington even called out Caitlin Clark for refusing to speak out more on racism.
She is speaking now.
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a White person, there is privilege,” Clark told Time.
Caitlin then went on to praise Black women, saying, “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.
“The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”
Social media couldn’t believe those words came out of her mouth and even some of her own fans started to turn on her.
“Well that was fun while it lasted. That is a good way to tank most of your viewership,” one fan of Caitlin Clark’s statement.
One fan saw it another way: “🎯 I respect what she said. There’s only a few real ones like Eminem that will admit “privilege” can play a factor. It’s NOT everything, you still have to work hard.. but some have to work a bit harder. Not hard to understand.”
Another fan called her a clown: “‘We need to elevate more black women in the WNBA,’ says one of the three white women in the WNBA 🤡”
One X user fired back her statement, adding, “Her privilege is her talent, not her skin color. She’s not selling out arenas because she’s white.”
Another fan was also turned off by Caitlin Clark’s statement: “Did she get threatened by the WNBA? This is why I don’t watch professional basketball. No one should apologize for their skin color. They should though apologize for the way they act.”
“She’s gone woke,” one fan stated.
Caitlin Clark Has Had A Dynamic 2024
In her debut season with the Indiana Fever following a stellar career at Iowa, Caitlin Clark shut all of the hate down with her play on the court, which led to her winning the Rookie of the Year award and being named to the All-WNBA first-team.
She became the first Rookie to do so since 2008. Clark also led the Fever to the postseason, somewhere the franchise hadn’t been since 2016.
Clark’s presence in the league took the record-breaking viewership from college to the pros as she drew crowds to arenas around the country.
She was the main focus that helped the growing popularity of the WNBA and women’s college basketball.
“The Angel Reese Effect” – The Entire Internet Had All Sorts Of Things To Say After Reebok Signs A Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal With WNBA
Angel Reese (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Angel Reese would be happiest today. Her sponsor brand, Reebok, and the WNBA have officially teamed up in an exciting new partnership. The latest deal will make Reebok an official footwear supplier for the league. A key player for the Chicago Sky in their campaign, Reese, is a brand ambassador for the sports brand, along with other players like Lexie Brown. This partnership will be a big step towards increasing the visibility of women’s sports on the global front.
Shaquille O’Neal, the President of Reebok Basketball, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. Shaq has been a big supporter of Chi Barbie and he has also been instrumental in Reebok’s growth in recent times. He joined the company as vice president last year.
“Reebok has been such an amazing partner and advocate for women in sport. As strong female athletes, we can use our platform to set an example for young players coming up in the sport. I’m happy to see the WNBA and Reebok supporting one another because I know that together we’re so much stronger and our reach is so much further,” Reese said.
However, Angel Reese has already launched her first Reebok collection, “Reebok by Angel,” and she will release her own signature shoe in 2026. She would be more than happy to establish the brand in the league, and her influence will be a win-win for both parties.
For the league, this collaboration will aim to leverage the growing popularity of women’s basketball by creating captivating content that connects fans with the game’s stars.
Fans Are Crediting Angel Reese For Reebok-WNBA Sponsorship Deal
The internet has gone crazy after WNBA officially announced that it will be partnering with the Boston-based footwear and clothing brand. Most of them gave credit for this deal to none other than Sky’s star forward, Reese.
“The Angel Reese Effect • Thee IT Girl,” a fan commented on the tweet.
Thee Angel Reese Effect • Thee IT Girl 💫 😍
— Thee Blessing 😈 (@uncleFEEL_) December 19, 2024
“No wonder Lexi be hating on Angel. Because she isn’t promoted by Reebok like Angel is! Hell i didn’t even know she was singed,” wrote another user.
No wonder Lexi be hating on Angel 😌🤔 Because she isn’t promoted by Reebok like Angel is! Hell i didn’t even know she was singed 😭😭😭
— Thee Blessing 😈 (@uncleFEEL_) December 19, 2024
“Angel Reese effect,” a fan added.
Angel Reese effect pic.twitter.com/ftXA30L4QV
— ReeseandKamilla (@ReeseandKamilla) December 19, 2024
“Congrats it’s huge !,” another fan commented.
Congrats it’s huge ! 🔥🚺🏀
— Rémy JAC (@Remy_Jac) December 19, 2024
“Reese effect,” read another comment.
Reese effect ‼️
— Thee_Nichole🌹 (@Thee_Nichole) December 19, 2024
“Angel Reese aka I’m not a businessman I’m a Business mannn,” another enthusiastic user wrote.
Angel reese aka I’m not a businessman I’m a Business mannn
— Dkim202 (@Dkim202_) December 19, 2024
Only this past summer, Angel Reese launched her first official collection while unveiling the brand’s new performance basketball shoe. In late October, she extended her partnership with Reebok and confirmed a signature sneaker release for 2026. Recently, in mid-November, Reese was also featured in Reebok’s global campaign Sport is Everything.
Reebok has a long history of creating basketball shoes for women, dating back to the 1980s. In the ’90s, the brand sponsored top women’s collegiate teams. The brand even gave superstar Rebecca Lobo her own signature shoe back in 1997. Reebok has built partnerships with various leagues, including the ABL, NBA, and WNBA, and it’s time for the women’s basketball league.
