Sage Steele on WNBA’s Treatment of Caitlin Clark
Sage Steele, the host of “The Sage Steele Show,” has expressed concerns about the WNBA’s treatment of Caitlin Clark, a standout player. She believes that the league’s poor officiating has been detrimental, with many fouls going uncalled against Clark and others this season. Steele warns that if this trend continues, the WNBA may risk alienating its fans.
Meanwhile, ESPN writer Howard Bryant has weighed in on the topic, suggesting that the criticism directed at Caitlin Clark isn’t rooted in racial issues, but rather her on-court antics, such as sticking her tongue out. Bryant discussed this perspective during a podcast episode of “The Right Time With Bomani Jones.”
Bryant stated, “This is not a racial issue,” as he addressed concerns about players allegedly targeting Clark. He remarked that while she is indeed a popular figure, some find her style off-putting: “She makes a bunch of threes and sticks her tongue out… How does she expect everyone to react?”
He posed a rhetorical question about the expectations of toughness in sports: “Are players supposed to be tough or not? One moment they’re in your face, and the next they want to complain?” He also hinted that Clark may be at the center of certain aggressive tactics on the court.
Critics of Clark allege that there’s an underlying racial tension tied to her success, with some suggesting that her visibility and popularity stem from her being a straight white woman in a predominantly Black or LGBTQ+ league. This perceived imbalance, they argue, breeds resentment among some players and observers.
Furthermore, players like Cameron Brink and Paige Bueckers, who have advocated for broader representation in terms of coaching positions, have not faced the same level of scrutiny. In contrast, Clark’s silence on such social issues has drawn criticism, with WNBA player DeJonai Carrington stating, “Silence is a privilege.” This notion has led some to view Clark’s focus on basketball as an endorsement of her fan base, which they see as problematic.
Then there’s Bryant—his insights don’t always resonate as objective. In past writings, he has made comments that diverged from the sporting conversation, questioning broader societal issues. This begs the question, why such observations on a sports platform?
Interestingly, Bryant’s background includes a legal history where he accused law enforcement of racial bias following an arrest linked to domestic violence. His defense at the time suggested racism played a role, yet the police clarified that his arrest was due to clear evidence of physical assault.
Ultimately, Bryant’s continual support of aggressive players targeting Clark—while questioning her behavior—seems inconsistent with past narratives about aggression and responsibility in sports. Comparisons have even been drawn to Michael Jordan, who was known for his competitive spirit and trash-talking on the court without facing similar backlash.
