HATIN’ CAITLIN: Why is the WNBA trying to kill its golden goose?

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Call it B.C. – Before Caitlin.

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Throughout most of its existence, the WNBA has been a dog in the sports marketplace. Average attendance was well under 10,000, and TV viewership was but a blip.

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Then along came Caitlin Clark – one of the deadliest three-point shooters (male or female) in the game – and suddenly the league was on everyone’s lips. Attendance and viewership soared and a slew of storylines emerged.

But the league and its powers were not happy about the 23-year-old former Iowa State Hawkeyes superstar. Clark’s two seasons in the league have been packed with bullying, name-calling and snubs.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller confessed that everyone around the WNBA knows about the bullying: It’s because Clark is straight and white.

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“I’m gonna be honest, because it needs to be said. I can relate to that young lady,” Miller told the DraftKings Network. “I felt for her. I know what it’s like to be hated. I know what it’s like to be a black woman and hated because of my colour.”

HERE’S YOUR CAITLIN HATIN’ CHEAT SHEET

WNBA BLUES

411: The WNBA, its supporters and stars seem at times to be on another planet. In the past, the loop was more like a cult than a professional sports league; the L factor has long been a factor. Former star Candice Wiggins claims she was targeted because she was straight (even though she is Black).

QUOTE

“Me being heterosexual and straight, and being vocal in my identity as a straight woman was huge. I would say 98% of the women in the WNBA are gay women. It was a conformist type of place. There was a whole different set of rules they (the other players) could apply.” — CANDICE WIGGINS

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ANGEL REESE

411: Bad feelings between the former LSU star and Clark go back to their college days and have racial undertones. But the rivalry and trash talk have been good for women’s hoops. Initially, Clark defended Reese’s seemingly unsportsmanlike behaviour, calling it “part of the game.”

REESE’S PIECES

411: The rivalry followed the two women to the WNBA, where Reese plays for the Chicago Sky. When her teammate Chennedy Carter knocked Clark to the floor, Reese cheered. But is it much ado about nothing? Both women say it’s more about their competitive nature rather than personal dislike. Reese says she enjoys playing the villain to put asses in the seats.

QUOTE

“We’re not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another.” — CAITLIN CLARK 

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MO MONEY

411: Despite her hardwood talent, Clark makes a pittance, just US$76,000 (1% of her total pay.) However, when it comes to endorsements, that’s a different matter. A $28 million deal with Nike, deals with Wilson, Gatorade, State Farm, Hy-Vee, Xfinity, Gainbridge, Lilly, and Panini have no doubt led to the jealousy.

‘F—ING WHITE GIRL’

411: Atlanta Dream star and WNBA stalwart Brittney Griner is reportedly not happy with Clark’s presence. During a game in May with the Indiana Fever, Griner reportedly called Clark a “f—ing white girl.” Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines said: “Brittney Griner appeared to call Caitlin Clark ‘trash’ and a ‘f***ing white girl’ after fouling out last night,” Gaines wrote on X. Others have said Griner yelled “wack call.”

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GOLD MEDAL SNUB

411: It isn’t just players who have a hate on for Clark: so does Team USA and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. The hoops world was stunned when Clark was left off the Olympic team. During the selection process, Reeve took to X to seemingly lambaste the young star for the media attention she was getting. Reeve said it was a “basketball decision.”

FOUL PLAY!

411: In a game against the Connecticut Sun, Clark was dribbling when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon made contact with her face. The Fever star shoved Sheldon. Seconds later, Sun forward Marina Mabrey jumped in and pushed Clark down on the floor. Mabrey’s foul was later hiked to a flagrant foul. Onlookers said it should have resulted in an ejection.

THE ENFORCER

411: Clark was responsible for the creation of another WNBA golden girl in the wake of the dust-up: Leggy blonde Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. In the final minute of the quarter, Sheldon was going for a layup when Cunningham wrapped her arms around her and pulled her to the ground. Cunningham’s social media following exploded.

bhunter@postmedia.com

@HunterTOSun

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