WNBA, media slammed over handling of Caitlin Clark firestorm
OutKick host Dan Dakich criticizes the WNBA and media for mishandling star Caitlin Clark, arguing the league, after 30 years, fails to capitalize on her popularity. He cites ‘petty jealousies, racism, and sexism’ as reasons for negative narratives and limited support for the 24-year-old athlete. Dakich suggests this impacts both Clark and the sport’s potential growth.
Lost in all the other nonsense in Indiana’s win over Chicago earlier this week was Caitlin Clark, once again, showing the WNBA she is easily — easily — the best player in the league.
Clark finished with 37 points and 10 assists in the win, going 8 of 12 from beyond the arc and adding three rebounds. She was incredible. She was, frankly, an MVP, even though the WNBA would never, ever allow that to actually happen.
I wrote about it Monday and I’ll say it again here — the Sophie Cunningham drama, and ensuing nonsense, has overtaken Clark in a way. She’s been playing second fiddle to Sophie and the mean WNBA girls for a few months now, which I’m sure she’s fine with.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball down court against Sydney Taylor #12 of the Chicago Sky during a regular-season WNBA game on Aug. 23, 2026, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CAITLIN CLARK NAMED EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE MONTH DESPITE ONLY PLAYING 10 GAMES
But when the bright lights come on and the games begin, Caitlin Clark is still the best player by a mile.
And she also takes an absolute beating on the court, which we’ve seen this season. She gets scratched, clawed, mugged and, sometimes, choked whenever she touches the court. Usually, it’s all without a whistle.
Now, we have photo evidence. Take a look:
Fans quick to spot Caitlin Clark’s arm
Lordy. What a picture! Look at those claw marks. Ted Lasso would be appalled.
Look, it’s basketball. I get it. I’m not here trying to sound soft or whiny. Sports are violent. They’re physical. I’d imagine the ’80s and ’90s Bulls and Pistons looked a lot like this after games. I assume a lot of players who went up against the Pistons back then did. I get it.
DiJonai Carrington #7 of the Chicago Sky argues with a referee about Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 23, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. (Getty Images)
But, add in some fingernails, and the context of the entire season — specifically when it comes to Caitlin Clark — and it does make you raise an eyebrow.
She was mugged earlier this summer by Alyssa Thomas. Her and Paige Bueckers got into it last week.
Before she was known for protecting women’s sports, Sophie Cunningham was known as Clark’s “enforcer” after sticking up for her last summer when things got out of hand against the Sun.
So, yes, this has been a narrative following Caitlin Clark for years now.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky collide during the first half at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 23, 2026. (Getty Images)
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“These girls just do not like Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham,” Charles Barkley told ‘The Michael Smerconish Program’ earlier this week.
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It was hard to argue that before. It’s really hard now.
