Greetings, dear reader,
Right now, a bunch of political rights topics are in the spotlight. You’ve got the “Clinton Project,” Texas gaining more Republican seats, some international trades linked to Trump’s policies, and, amusingly, Sydney Sweeney’s recent reveal that she’s registered as a Republican in Florida.
Honestly, it seems like everything that could be said has already been said about these issues.
It’s about race
Donald Trump is considering diving into something quite intriguing: investigating the WNBA for potential civil rights violations. You might wonder, with everything happening, why this? But think about it—if the left was riled up about Sweeney, just imagine fining the WNBA for alleged racism against Caitlin Clark.
The Wall Street Journal addressed this topic, pointing out that Clark faces a challenging environment, as the Supreme Court described in Harris v. Forklift System (1993). The inequalities she faces could, in fact, trigger federal investigations and lawsuits. According to Texas Community Affairs v. Burdine (1981), the court clarified how Title VII of the Civil Rights Act affects treatment of employees based on race, which puts the onus on employers to prove they aren’t acting from discriminatory motives.
The narrative here is fueled by evident biases and continues to highlight patterns of hostility as defined by Title VII. One notable voice in this discussion is Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, who questioned how Clark was perceived in consideration for the 2024 Time Athlete of the Year. Although Clark received a record 1.29 million fan votes for the All-Star team, she ended up ranked 9th by players in those voting processes.
Interestingly, Clark was not included in the roster for the 2024 US Olympic team, even though she was a frontrunner during selection discussions, which involved league executives, team presidents, and former WNBA players.
This situation raises eyebrows about a culture of treatment within the league, and indeed, there seems like there could be a legitimate reason for federal scrutiny regarding civil rights violations.
The thought of a female-dominated league facing investigations because of “systemic racism” is often tossed around without substantial evidence, yet the potential fallout remains. Meanwhile, the WSJ op-ed humorously points out how absurd this all is.
And really, this has been a topic of conversation. Aja Wilson, a star with the Las Vegas Aces, expressed frustration over the perceived biases within the league against Clark, asserting, “It doesn’t matter what we do as black women. We still get overlooked. So when people say it’s not about race, that’s why my blood boils.”
Unlike other leagues that saw a renaissance with the rise of a single player, the WNBA seems to have taken a more openly hostile stance against Clark. In stark contrast, the NBA offered praise and protection to its stars like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, while the NFL adjusted rules to safeguard quarterbacks like Tom Brady.
What has the WNBA done for Clark, who has by herself boosted the league’s profile?
From the WSJ:
“The systematic missed calls include evidence of Clark being fouled multiple times within a single possession, with analysts noting that these should be classified as fouls. Last season, she accounted for 17% of major fouls in her league.”
“The league seemingly facilitated a hostile atmosphere for Clark, marked by excessive fouling and negative comments from players and owners alike. This is a documented pattern that leads to legitimate scrutiny.”
It’s become quite the opposite of what should happen; it feels like an open season on the court where players can cause harm without consequence.
On another note, discussions continue about creating monuments honoring notable black women in various leagues, showcasing how these topics remain intertwined with present-day sentiments.
What I’m reading
In the meantime, conversations around WNBA garnish attention, like the recent arrest linked to tossing adult toys at games.
Cincinnati police chief has spoken out against sharing videos that depict alleged racist behavior among black mobs.
This is just for you, dear reader.
“Good Morning America” has responded in unexpected ways to Sydney Sweeney’s latest ad campaign.
And remember to check out the Daily Caller shop for some interesting gear, like a nice embroidered American flag hat—while supplies last!
