Caitlin Clark was grilled twice in the space of just a few hours Thursday about being the public face of the so-called “culture war” that’s allegedly happening around her.
The Indiana Fever rookie is arguably the most talked-about player in the WNBA in some time, and while the harsh criticism from the media and other players might make it seem like she’s committed a crime, Clark has distanced herself from the vitriol of TV pundits and social media.
Even before the regular season began, suggestions that her popularity was partly racial were emerging when Clark was the recipient of a hard foul from Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter at the time, erasing any doubts about why fouls were leading the debate show.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark signs autographs for fans before the start of a WNBA basketball game against the New York Liberty, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)
Clark’s subsequent removal from the Olympic team sparked another round of controversy and scrutiny of Connecticut Suns guard Di’Jonai Carrington, who appeared to mock Clark for exaggerating a foul call.
Clark was asked questions twice before being introduced to the starting lineup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the game against the Atlanta Dream.
“It seems like no matter what you do or what is done to you, it becomes a national conversation. And a lot of times it’s divisive. I’d like to know where you stand and how you feel about people using your name in a culture war or a war. I’d like to know how you feel about that,” The Athletic’s Jim Trotter told Clark.
“It’s not something I can control, so I don’t spend a lot of time or think about that,” Clark said. “Honestly, I don’t really care about that stuff. Like I said, basketball is my job. Anything outside of that is out of my control, so I’m not going to spend a lot of time thinking about it. Guys can talk about what they want to talk about. Create whatever conversation they want. I just feel like I’m here to play basketball. I’m here to have fun. I’m trying to help my team win. We’ve won three games, but I feel like we’re in a position to win more. I’m just focused on helping my team win. I don’t pay too much attention to that sort of stuff.”
Trotter then asked, “How much do you think that has affected your ability to build relationships within the league?”
“I think everyone around the league understands, but first of all, we’re excited and grateful for the attention. I think the league has been great for a long time. But my focus is on my teammates. They’ve been great. I don’t think it’s affected the relationship-building on the team. Obviously, I don’t talk to guys from other teams every day. I have a lot to focus on here, so my main focus is just getting my teammates to trust me and execute on it all. That goes for the coaching staff as well as this organization.”
Indiana Fever’s No. 22, Caitlin Clark, dribbles the ball during a game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 13, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
WNBA commissioner welcomes wave of popularity as Caitlin Clark emerges
Trotter got another chance.
“I know you’re focused, but I’m just curious: do you mind people trying to weaponize your name in whatever fight they’re fighting?” Trotter asked.
“No,” Clark said, midway through Trotter’s question. “I don’t know. My focus is not there. My focus is here, on basketball. That’s where it should be. Always has been. I’m just trying to get better every day.”
Clark’s response drew a sharp response from Carrington, who responded without naming Clark.
“Come on. How can you not care that your name is being used to justify racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia and all of the intersections of those things? Funny,” Carrington wrote to X. “We’re all aware of that shit. We all have a platform. We all have a voice and all of that carries weight. Silence is a luxury.”
Following Carrington’s comments, The Athletic’s James Boyd had the opportunity to question Clarke again.
Indiana Fever’s No. 22 Caitlin Clark shakes hands with Atlanta Dream’s No. 15 Alisha Gray before a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 13, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Kaitlyn, I know you said you wanted to focus on basketball, and I definitely respect that. But to ask you directly, how do you respond to that directory when people use your name in a racist or misogynistic or whatever way?”
“I find that unfortunate,” Clarke responded again. “Everyone in this world deserves the same respect. The women of the League deserve the same respect. My name should not be used to further such claims. It’s unfortunate. It’s unacceptable.”
“This is a league that I’ve looked up to and wanted to be a part of since I was a kid. Some of the women in this league were my role models and idols growing up. They make me want to achieve this moment to be able to play here every night. Treating all of the women in this league with the same respect is a basic human act that everyone should do. Just be a kind person and treat people the way you want to be treated. I think it’s that simple.”
Clark didn’t have the best game of his life, either.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (No. 22) and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (No. 0) interact during the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Suns at Mohegan Sun Arena on June 10, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Erika Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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She had seven points, six assists and seven turnovers in the Fever’s tough win over the Dream.
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