INDIANAPOLIS — Athletes often talk in generalities as a defense mechanism. Rather than delving into a potentially controversial topic or even addressing the issue at all, they offer non-answers, using clichés and pre-programmed talking points to keep a safe distance.
Part of me wants to believe that’s what Caitlin Clark did Thursday morning When I asked her if she was troubled by fans using her name as a weapon in the culture wars dividing the country. The Indiana Fever star guard isn’t shutting down the topic. She refused to even open it.
“No,” she declared. “I don’t see that. I don’t see that. That’s not my focus. My focus is on basketball. That’s where it needs to be, that’s where it’s always been, and I’m just trying to get better every day.” good.
I asked #IndianamaniaCaitlin Clark spoke directly about her name being weaponized for racism/misogyny (as DiJonet Carrington alluded to):
“It’s disappointing. … Everyone in our world deserves the same level of respect. The women in our league deserve the same respect. pic.twitter.com/gyAWBqGG8c
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 13, 2024
It’s not surprising that Clark initially tried to avoid the subject. She’s a rookie trying to find her way on a new team in a new league, and the shots that consistently failed her in college are now coming off target with increasing frequency. She didn’t become the go-to closer, which made her popular at Iowa, but was sometimes benched late in games because of turnover issues.
But you can’t hide behind basketball when you’re anointed to be part of the larger-than-life, rising tide that will propel the WNBA to greater prosperity. You absolutely cannot do this when people use your name as a means to promote racism, misogyny, homophobia and other social ills. Indeed, to whom much is given, much is required.
Professional sports have a tradition of testing high-profile rookies. The veterans looked closely at them to see what they were made of. Nothing to do with sport or gender. But when Carrington fouled Clark and mocked the rookie for what she believed was an embellishment of the contact, much of the commentary on social media was predictable. “Caitlin Clark was once again targeted by black players on Monday, this time at Connecticut State,” one person wrote. “Suns guard DiJonay Carrington violently checked on Clark and then taunted her after the flagrant foul. The crowd booed. Had the game been reversed, Carrington would have been ejected.
Clark has not commented, but I’m curious how she feels about people using her name as a tool of division. Her initial response Thursday morning was: “It’s not something I can control, so I don’t put a lot of thought and time into things like that. And, to be honest, I don’t see a lot of it. Like I mean, basketball is my job. It’s all out there and I can’t control it, so I don’t spend time thinking about it, people can talk about it and have conversations about whatever they want, but I think. Just coming here to play basketball. I’m just trying to help our team win. … I don’t really care about it, to be honest.
But is she forthright? It must be noted that Clark is 22 years old and faces huge demands and expectations. This should definitely give her a certain level of elegance. Still, her comments are troubling because of their lack of awareness and empathy for Black peers who don’t have the privilege to distance themselves from the isms they often face.
Carrington likens her silence to luxury. I think it’s complicity.
Maybe she doesn’t want to fully address the issue because of the sensitivity involved? Or maybe she’s following the advice of her inner circle, including consultants who might think it’s more profitable to say nothing? It worked well for Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, even though it sent the message that money is more important than morals. But in a predominantly Black league with a large LGBTQ+ population, an initial unwillingness to stand up to hate and harassment is always going to be problematic.
Coincidentally, her remarks came on the same day that the Women’s National Basketball Players Association published an op-ed in The Players’ Tribune emphasizing how proud its members are of their history of fighting social injustice. “Our job has always been bigger than basketball,” it said at one point.
That’s why it’s important for Clark to revisit her comments late Thursday, about an hour before tipoff against the Atlanta Dream. She’s in danger of losing some respect from her peers, especially at a time when more prominent white players are speaking out as allies in the fight against racism and homophobia.
For a league that prides itself on inclusion and acceptance, when legendary WNBA guard Sue Bird spoke in a 2020 CNN article, or UConn guard Paige Bueckers (Paige Bueckers) in 2020 during her 2021 ESPYs acceptance speech, or last March when former LSU guard Hailey Van Lith called criticism of her Black teammates racist, or Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink said last week, “I recognize there is a privilege for young white players in the league.”
No one is asking Clark to be a social activist or to be a major figure in the fight for respect, but it’s important for her to at least denounce those who might use her name to espouse hatred and division.
“This is disappointing, this is unacceptable…” she said before anyone used her name to push an agenda. “This league is one that I have admired since I was a kid and wanted to be a part of. Some of the women in this league were my biggest idols and role models growing up. … Treat every woman in this league with the same respect, This is a basic human behavior that everyone should do. Be a kind person and treat others how you would like to be treated.
It may have taken her some time to express these emotions, but that shouldn’t obscure the fact that she finally got to the right place. This is a positive step for her and the league.
(Photo: Greg Fihm/Getty Images)
