Caitlin Clark Says, "Don't Use My Name To Push Your Agendas"

[RandySF]

Caitlin Clark has had it with being the poster girl for everyone’s agenda.

Speaking before Thursday’s game, Clark was candid about some who have used perceived slights against the WNBA superstar to push racist and misogynistic tropes,

“I think it’s disappointing,” Clark said. “Everybody in our world deserves the same amount of respect. The women in our league deserve the same amount of respect. People should not be using my name to push those agendas. It’s disappointing. It’s not acceptable. This league is the league I grew up admiring and wanting to be a part of.

“Some of the women in this league were some of my biggest idols and role models growing up, and helped me want to achieve this moment right here that I get to play in ever single night. Just treating every single woman in this league with the same amount of respect is just a basic human thing that everyone should do. Just be a kind person and treat them how you would want to be treated.”


https://deadline.com/2024/06/caitlin-clark-dont-use-my-name-push-agendas-1235973275/amp/

[Deuxcents]

1. She's being very diplomatic and I hope the press understands what she's saying

[tulipsandroses]

2. I'm glad she spoke up. And even to the well meaning people. If you are not criticizing male players then

You really are not helping the cause. Women get to be jealous but male athletes are aggressive. See Dennis Rodman. The Detroit Bad Boys. Charles Barkley . Charles Oakley. Karl Malone. I remember Kobe getting decked by Malone his rookie year. Yeah, sports can get aggressive.

As long as I've been a sports fan, I've seen the most heralded rookie get tested and put through ringer. Its sports. Coach Kerr was on the 11th Hour recently, and said as much. He talked about Steph Curry's experience. The pros are different from college athletics. You will have to learn to play the pro way. It's not the same. You are not going to be given a golden crown your rookie year. True talent will rise up and meet the challenge and get better and stronger.

Off topic, but similar, I am looking forward to track and field in the Olympics. I am looking forward to seeing the growth of Sha'carri. I said the same thing about her a few years ago. She wasn't ready for prime time. She had to learn to compete against pros. Since then she has stepped up to the plate and has gotten stronger and faster.

If every play in sports is scrutinized in the same way, the sports world will be in trouble. That's what refs are for. To call out fouls and penalize the player and team. We don't need politicians demanding action or folks demanding players apologize for what happens all the time in sports. Folks crying about how she was snubbed and not placed on the Olympics team. Uhm, she is a rookie. She is not the best player in the WNBA. That is not to take away from her talent. The journey from rookie to top level pro still has to take place. Give her the space to do so.

[LisaM]

3. I don't think Coach Kerr is the right person to speak up.

He has done nothing to contain Draymond Green, absolutely nothing, which is really disappointing considering that overall I think Steve Kerr is a stand-up guy.

I don't even watch basketball at the moment. Women or men, it's completely ceased being a team sport. It's prima donnas, the people they pick on or blame, and their cultish fans who pick sides based on players, not teams.

[Pototan]

5. The Boston Celtics are a team

The Celtics play as a team.

There are probably just one or two games left in the NBA finals. Watch a TEAM play the right way. You'll enjoy it.

[LisaM]

7. Maybe more so than the rest, I agree.

I am rooting for them but I am so turned off basketball at moment I have hardly watched the playoffs.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

4. when that pendulum swings back,

I hope kindness makes a huge comeback.

[stopdiggin]

6. 98% of the people that are a success on the field

(or court, or mat) have dealt - successfully - with the race thing for essentially their whole careers.

The people up in the stands ... Not so much.

Some of her 'fans' are coming at this from a place that is about level with the gutter - and Clark is right for calling them on it. Your petty bigotries - have little or nothing to do with what is going on out on the floor night after night. If you don't have any respect for that - or the game - perhaps you would be better off watching (and commenting on) American Idol. Or maybe Duck Dynasty?