VIDEO: Ex-ESPN Host Cari Champion Calls Caitlin Clark “Privileged” While Speaking About The Fever Superstar’s Critics
Cari Champion and Caitlin Clark (Photos via CNN & Getty Images)
Former ESPN host Cari Champion referred to Caitlin Clark as “privileged” while arguing for the Indiana Fever rookie on CNN.
Clark has been accused of benefitting from white privilege, with criticism coming from every angle following her unveiling as the TIME Magazine Athlete of the Year.
CNN’s Scott Jennings has suggested that the former Iowa star is responsible for the criticism as she’s tried to appeal to the “woke mob” by paying homage to the stars who came before her, though they built a league that has never actually made money.
Cari Champion Defended Caitlin Clark, But Still Called Her Privileged
Champion countered Jennings’ argument with claims that Clark was simply showing respect and gets bullied for anything she says.
“But before she entered the league that started in 1997, there were the Lisa Leslies and the Dawn Staleys and Sheryl Swoopes of it all who really built the league, and they weren’t getting the attention, because let’s face it, the league was built in a way in which, it wasn’t mainstream,” the former First Take host declared. “And all she’s simply saying is, ‘I want to respect those who come before me.’”
Champion added that Caitlin Clark also recognizes that she’s privileged while suggesting that the money she makes is not just due to the fact that she’s an incredible shooter.
“She makes more money than the people who built this league,” she noted. “And she understands that there’s a reason, not because she shoots the ball well. Yes, that also helps, but there’s another reason that says, ‘I’m white, and it’s a privilege and people love me.’”
“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.
