Caitlin Clark has stated that she advantages from ‘white privilege’ during her WNBA achievements, even after facing significant criticism for her earlier remarks on the matter.
The Indiana Fever player first discussed the issue of race in the WNBA in December when she was selected as TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, recognizing the ‘white privilege’ that came her way as she entered the league and increased the interest levels.
The 23-year-old received backlash for her remarks back then, but that hasn’t stopped her, as she reaffirmed her position in her appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix series, ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.’
“I certainly possess privilege,” she stated, according to Fox News. Clearly, I’m White, but I believe… I’m someone who grew up as a big fan of this league. I was raised observing this league, attending matches, backing this league. Therefore, I understand the origins of this league.
Many Black women helped shape this league into what it is today. That’s essentially the foundation we rely on. I believe that is something I am quite mindful of and something for which I am very grateful. They certainly deserve all the recognition, and the more we can acknowledge them, the better. I fully recognize that, and I understand it, and I believe it’s important to take responsibility for acknowledging it.
Letterman asked if Clark thought, as numerous individuals on social media do, that she is being singled out due to her race.
Last year, in connection with receiving TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year award, Clark conducted an extensive interview covering various aspects of her journey to prominence, including the influence of race on her standing.
Clark stated that the WNBA has “been established” by black athletes and that “as a white individual, there is an advantage”.
The comments ignited a debate online, with figures such as OutKick founder Clay Travis and Dave Portnoy denouncing the Indiana Fever star.
Jason Whitlock withdrew his backing of Clark in an emotional breakdown, stating her remarks brought him to tears, and conservative activist Riley Gaines also contributed to the discussion.
In the meantime, Sheila Johnson, the owner of the Washington Mystics, engaged in a strange tirade about Clark in a recent interview, asserting that her TIME award shouldn’t have been awarded solely to the league’s Rookie of the Year.
During her inaugural season in the WNBA, Clark became the focal point of a racial controversy due to claims that she experienced jealousy and harassment.
Upon her arrival, the marksman prompted a surge in the league’s audience and attendance figures.
Her performances justified this as she accumulated an unprecedented number and shattered existing records.
Prior to going professional, Clark garnered a large fan base with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she guided the team to consecutive title games, despite falling short in both. She was the first overall selection in the WNBA Draft and contributed to the Indiana Fever’s first playoff appearance since 2016.
Clark earned the Rookie of the Year award and placed fourth in the MVP voting.
However, concerns regarding her popularity have persisted as the WNBA gets ready to kick off its 2025 season.
Clark and the Fever are scheduled to have 41 of their games broadcast nationally to meet fans’ desire to see the Iowa talent.
However, the scheduling prompted four-time All-Star Napheesa Collier to wonder why other teams, like the defending champions the New York Liberty, hadn’t gained more visibility.
“Clearly, audiences want to see Caitlin play, and you need to feature on TV the individuals that people wish to watch.” However, concurrently, there are stars throughout the league, and you desire quality basketball as well,” Collier mentioned on ESPN last month.
Clearly, Indiana … is set to be a strong team, but the lack of televised games featuring the defending champions seems a bit outrageous to me.”
