Whitlock on WNBA: Caitlin Clark’s success marred by aggressive “lesbian” play

WNBA’s lesbian image could alienate Caitlin Clark fans

Caitlin Clark has had a very tough start to his WNBA career.

Caitlin Clark has had a very tough start to his WNBA career.LAPRESSE

 

In a segment, Whitlock delves into his reasoning behind what he calls the “Caitlin Clark Effect” and its potential negative impact on the league’s fanbase. He emphasizes the importance of the WNBA showcasing a more marketable brand of basketball, one that doesn’t involve its star players being subjected to what he perceives as aggressive and unsportsmanlike conduct. He points out that if the league fails to address this issue, it may lead to an exodus of alienated fans.

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Caitlin Clark called “White B*tch” on live TV by ESPN host – Video

Whitlock voices his dismay over the current state of the WNBA, particularly in light of the treatment of players like Caitlin Clark. He expresses his dissatisfaction with what he perceives as a rough and physical style of play, stating: “I don’t want to see a bunch of tatted-up angry lesbians do roller derby on a basketball court. I don’t want to see it, no one wants to see it. No one wants to see women behaving like thuggish men. I’m just sorry, that’s a fact.”

He goes on to draw parallels with other sports, stating that he doesn’t watch women’s UFC or boxing because he simply doesn’t enjoy seeing women engage in physical combat. Whitlock emphasizes that he believes most men share his sentiment and have different expectations for women in sports.

Whitlock: WNBA’s “angry lesbians” and Clark’s rookie season are incompatible

Whitlock’s concerns also extend to the impact of such behavior on the league’s audience. He stresses that the portrayal of women engaging in physical altercations can be off-putting, not just in sports but also in broader social contexts.

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He asserts: “When I see videos over social media of women pummeling each other in street fights, I click off and move away, and say I never want to be around those people. I don’t want to be around women who are comfortable fighting.”

In conclusion, Whitlock advocates for a shift towards a more respectful and sportsmanlike style of play in the WNBA. He argues that promoting a brand of basketball that aligns with the expectations of a broader audience, particularly men, is crucial for sustaining and growing the league’s popularity

Caitlin Clark takes Indiana Fever franchise to historic heights with best game of short WNBA career

Clark becomes the second rookie in WNBA history to record 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ 3-pointers in a single game

Caitlin Clark's 30-point game ties the WNBA rookie record for...

Caitlin Clark’s 30-point game ties the WNBA rookie record for 3-pointersYoutube @IndianaFever

Caitlin Clarkshowcased her talent on Friday night, leading the Indiana Fever to an 85-83 victory over the Washington Mystics with a game-high 30 points. Clark tied the WNBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a game, hitting seven from beyond the arc. She shot 7 of 13 from three-point range and 8 of 15 overall, tying her season-high in scoring while also contributing eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, despite committing eight turnovers.

Clark’s performance placed her in elite company. She became only the second rookie in WNBA history to record 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ 3-pointers in a single game, joining Sabrina Ionescu in this exclusive club. Her impressive all-around game highlighted her potential as a future superstar in the league, setting a high bar for her career.

After the game, Clark reflected on her shooting performance. “It felt good to shoot the ball well. I felt like even my misses were right there,” she said. “It was nice to have a night like that, and overall we shot the ball well, 16 made 3’s. I started off missing my first two, so it was kind of annoying because both of them were pretty open. But I think it was just ‘keep shooting,’ and I thought my teammates set really good screens. I was just able to create off of those. As a shooter, once you see one or two go in, the basket just looks bigger and bigger.”

Caitlin Clark joins Sabrina Ionescu in exclusive ‘Rookie Club’

In addition to her scoring feats, Clark became the fastest WNBA player to reach 200 points and 75 assists, accomplishing this in just 12 games. This breaks the previous record held by Seattle’s Sue Bird, who achieved the mark in 14 games in 2002. Clark’s consistent playmaking ability has seen her lead or co-lead the Fever in assists in every game this season, emphasizing her versatility and importance to the team.

Clark’s presence on the court not only impacts the game but also draws significant crowds. The Mystics, playing at Capital One Arena, saw a huge turnout with 10,000 fans on Thursday and 20,333 on Friday, largely due to the draw of rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. “The crowds never get old, they’re great,” Clark said. “I think at times they might have been cheering for us. It’s fun to see people in Fever gear. It’s fun to see people screaming about women’s basketball.

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Despite the Fever’s challenging start to the season, Clark’s breakout performances provide a glimpse of a promising future. After a tough schedule of 11 games in 20 days, the team got some much-needed rest. Clark acknowledged the league’s pace and physicality but remains focused. “I knew what I was getting into,” she said. “Maybe some people didn’t know the circumstances of the WNBA. But me, personally, I know it’s one of the best leagues in the world, the players are really good. I’ve been a big fan of this league all my life. You’re starting a new chapter, a new part of your career becoming a professional athlete. Not everything’s gonna click overnight. Keep working and keep grinding, and it will come over time.