Ok Ok Ok sports fans…… It’s time to cut through the noise and face reality. The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, started the season 1-8. Clark struggled, no doubt, but fast forward, and she’s now one of the top two players in the entire league—as a rookie. Since that rocky start, she has put the team on her back and led them to a 17-8 run, currently sitting @ 18-16 and in the playoffs. She leads the league in three-pointers made, tops the assists chart, and is second in scoring. First in usage rate among rookies. Yes, she leads in turnovers too. But so did Kobe, LeBron, Jordan—and many of the greats. When the game runs through you, turnovers happen. That’s the cost of being the play maker, just ask Diana Taurasi!!!
There is absolutely no debate on who the ROY is in the WNBA so stop with nonsense. The Sky are 11-22 more on that in a minute. because yes Winning does matter, Stats do matter, Accolades do matter, Team Success does matter, Court effectiveness does matter.
Yet, despite Clark’s dominance, everyone suddenly forgets the numbers when it comes to Chicago’s 11-22 record. Wins and losses don’t seem to matter anymore, but when Indiana was 1-8, the sports world couldn’t stop screaming that Angel Reese was running away with Rookie of the Year. Why? Because Reese was “helping her team win,” while Clark wasn’t. Oh, how quickly the narrative changes when facts no longer fit the story you want to tell.
Let’s be real: Angel Reese is an incredible rebounder. As a rookie, she may already be one of the best we’ve ever seen. And yes, she does this without the typical athleticism, vertical leap, or skill set you’d expect. She just gets it done through sheer grit. She will undoubtedly improve because of her heart, determination, and work ethic, and we all respect that. But don’t mistake that for being a more complete basketball player than Caitlin Clark. You can’t possibly watch both of them play and genuinely believe Reese brings more to the court. That’s bias, plain and simple. it’s about more than just basketball. There’s no other explanation for the constant comparisons when Clark outshines Reese in every aspect of the game except maybe Rebounding… By the way CC is an amazing rebounding guard. [story for another day]
And let’s call it what it really is—this is about race. Clark is being punished, not for her game, but for everything else around that she is somehow being blamed for. There’s no other reason for such a blatant disregard of her skill set and impact. Reese is a post player, yes, but that’s body and positioning, not skill. Yet somehow, the conversation keeps being skewed. Why? Because Clark is white, and people are uncomfortable with her success in a league that’s been historically starving its black players for recognition. Let’s stop pretending otherwise. But exactly how is that CC fault?
And here’s the truth no one wants to say: you’re mad at Caitlin for things beyond her control. Nike gave her a massive contract? Be mad at Nike. The WNBA made her the face of the league? Blame the WNBA, not Clark. She’s doing for women’s basketball what Jordan did for the NBA—bringing in corporate dollars, raising salaries, increasing visibility. Whether you like it or not, Clark is the reason paychecks are getting bigger, endorsement deals are flowing, and more eyes are on the game. Instead of tearing her down, maybe start thanking her.
The criticism is misplaced. Instead of blaming Clark, direct that energy towards the corporations that have historically overlooked Black athletes. They are the ones you should be upset with, not her.
But I’ll say this—no matter how upset you are, the way you carry yourself goes a long way, how you present yourself matters. The hostility, the attitude, that “ghetto” behavior some are quick to display? That’s why brands don’t want you representing them. It’s not always “the white man’s fault.” Some of these issues are self-inflicted, and if we want to change the game for everyone, we need to take accountability for how we carry ourselves.
And here it comes….. call me a sellout, coon, uncle tom etc, call me whatever name you want—I’ll wear those your labels with pride. Because I stand for something bigger than your ignorant petty insults. I stand for integrity, for self-respect, for “PROGRESS”. So go ahead, keep being a “Real One.” See how far that gets ya.
Ill end with this, no matter what side you sit… AR/CC Rivalry is good for the league… It’s the new Magic/Bird and it’s fun to watch to a certain extent. But the race stuff and the violence towards CC is getting out of hand. Let’s do better.. CC is a Star and Angel is going to be just a big a Star and I guarantee you if she gets her head on straight, she will have more endorsement deals than she could ever imagine.
