ESPN’s Host Claims WNBA Players Envy Caitlin Clark

(DailyVantage.com) – The buzz continues around WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark, after a hard foul cheap shot from a player from an opposing team sparked conversation on the former University of Iowa star player’s contribution to the national female basketball league.

Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, was body slammed out of the blue by Chennedy Carter, a player for the Chicago Sky during their game last June 1. In the same game, Clark was elbowed by another player, Angel Reese – who also happens to be Clark’s rival during their collegiate days.

Outspoken sports commentator Stephen A. Smith remarked that many other players in the WNBA are apparently “jealous” of the young rookie, who made waves during her college basketball days, and brought a much-needed boost to the WNBA when she joined the league this year.

Smith acknowledged that other players, who have also been working hard to uplift the struggling women’s basketball league, may have resentment against Clark because she “has accomplished in a short period of time what they haven’t been able to.” Still, he urged other players to take advantage of the “opening” Clark has created for the league, instead of trying to bring her down.

Just months into her WNBA career, and Clark has already been bringing in the big bucks with endorsements with brands like Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm. The WNBA has also begun to give players and teams chartered flights this season, owing to the growing popularity the league is enjoying thanks to Clark.

Former NBA legend Charles Barkley voiced sentiments similar to Smith’s, saying that all the hate being directed towards Clark over her success and to a certain extent, because of her being white, was “petty.”

“Y’all should be thanking that girl,” Barkley said, for “all the money and visibility she’s bringing into the WNBA.” The former power forward for the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets added, “Don’t be petty like dudes.”

LeBron James, arguably the NBA’s biggest and most popular player right now, agreed.

“Give her [Clark] her flowers, man!”, he said. “Stop being petty all you women out there!”, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward added.

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