Caitlin Clark recently reacted to A’ja Wilson’s comments that race played a role in the Indiana Fever’s popularity.
FOX Sports reports the former Iowa Hawkeye responded at a press conference. This reportedly occurred before her first WNBA game on Tuesday, May 14.
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A’ja’s Comments On Caitlin’s Popularity
The Las Vegas Ace told the Associated Press that race was a factor in Caitlin’s meteoric rise in the public eye.
“I think it’s a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and White, but to me, it is,” the power forward stated.
Wilson believes that you can be at the top of your game, but if you’re a Black woman, opportunities will still skip you.
“It really is because you can be top-notch at what you are as a Black woman, but yet maybe that’s something that people don’t want to see,” A’ja argued. “They don’t see it as marketable, so it doesn’t matter how hard I work… we’re still going to be swept under the rug.”
The ESPY winner stated that it makes her angry “when people say it’s not about race because it is.”
Clark’s Response To A’ja
Caitlin told the media, “I think there’s opportunities for every single player in women’s basketball.”
She added, “… the more opportunities we can give across the board, that’s what’s going to elevate women’s basketball.”
While Caitlin didn’t directly reject or co-sign A’ja’s sentiments, she believes elevating the game consists of showcasing a variety of players.
“It doesn’t need to be just one or two players…” she said. “The parity in women’s basketball is what’s making more people want to come to watch it.”
She believes if they “can spread the love, show people, show their talent,” the game will grow.
The guard added, “I’ve had a lot of fun being in the spotlight and helping grow this game…”
As previously reported by The Shade Room, Cailtin was given a signature Nike shoe before A’ja Wilson despite her extensive list of accomplishments.
What do you think about Caitlin’s response?
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