In a recent episode of First Take, host Stephen A. Smith surprised everyone by discussing the challenges faced by Indiana Fever star player Caitlin Clark. While giving his opinion on the criticism surrounding Clark, Smith mentioned a controversial name. The 56-year-old NBA analyst brought up Donald Trump and discussed how race plays a role in Clark’s controversies.
“There’s a broader issue here that can’t be escaped. And that is this: she is a white young lady. And she’s been a magnet in a way that has benefitted the league in ways that others have not, even though their efforts have been worthy and deserving of being as celebrated, if not even more celebrated…. in the end, if you’re white, you’re bright, you’re right, and as a result, the shine comes your way in the eyes of a lot of people in America.” Smith said.
“You have somebody that’s a presidential candidate. What is his claim to fame? Make America Great Again. What have people interpreted that to mean? Make America White Again… what has that led to? A divide. It is not a divide that is created. It is a divide that is illuminated because it highlights and shows that it’s been in existence all along. And It hasn’t gone anywhere.” Smith added.
Caitlin Clark Racism Controversy
After making her debut in the WNBA, Clark has been involved in numerous controversies on a weekly basis. Recently, her fans have been bringing up her name in discussions about racism, misogyny, and homophobia. During an interview, the 22-year-old Fever player was asked about these topics, and she said that her focus was on basketball. Despite Clark ignoring the fans’ actions, another player, Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington, criticized Clark for ignoring such essential incidents.
“How one can not be bothered by their name being used to justify racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia & the intersectionalities of them all is nuts. We all see the sh*t. And We all have a platform. We all have a voice & they all hold weight. Silence is a luxury.” Carrington wrote.
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During another interview, Clark revised her statement and expressed her desire to be treated by the fans like other WNBA players.
“People should not be using my name to push those agendas. It’s disappointing. It’s not acceptable. Treating every single woman in this league with the same amount of respect, I think, is just a basic human thing that everybody should do.” Clark said.
Also Read: ESPN Announces Significant Changes For Upcoming Rematch Between Angel Reese And Caitlin Clark
