By Mark Halpern and Dan Ryans
War is a powerful word to describe what is happening in the
WNBA. Before the season began the league’s audience had already
increased 27% because of draftees Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. These
two new basketball phenoms are tearing it up on the court, which comes
with problems that have been spilling outside of games. This is very
unfortunate as it shows a light on the game that nobody expected. Caitlin
Clark, the No. 1 draft pick of the Indiana Fever, set a record by
out-selling jerseys of certain male athletes. The WNBA unanimously
designated Clark as the face of the league because of what she did in
college on and off the court. It’s an honor that few professional athletes
ever get the chance of being.
On the other side, we have Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who
is breaking records on the court. Just the other day, Reese recorded her
10th straight double-double setting the bar high for it to be broken. Off
the court, she reminds me of a child begging for more like Oliver Twist.
I truly believe Reese is Jealous of Clark because we see Angel give
Caitlin the business on the court. The verbal abuse towards Clark is
because the WNBA chose a Caucasian and not Reese who is African
American. Resse has a big mouth and acts immaturely during press
conferences about her and Clark.
Throughout this season, we have seen Clark get hammered
violently, not only by Reese, but also other players on teams who support Reese. These WNBA players have beaten down Clark badly
thinking they can get away with it. The big factor is the way Clark is
handling it, which hasn’t been easy. Caitlin knows what it takes to be in
the league. She has taken the licks and keeps on playing. The last time
we saw a race war in basketball was in 1979 when Earvin “Magic”
Johnson and Larry Bird entered the NBA. It was the same thing, but on a
more violent scale with multiple brawls between the Celtics, Lakers, and
other teams because of Magic and Bird.
I do not believe in any way that the WNBA created this problem
on purpose. No professional league is going to cause an intentional rift,
but it’s out of its hands. We see how Reese talks about Clark and that
shows her weakness and insecurities. Her “I guess some people get a
special whistle” comment, about the referees changing a common foul
call to a Flagrant 1, took it to another level. Reese clearly shows a
southern bravado. No offense, it’s tough to grow up in the South as an
African American and she proved that with determination, hard work,
and a dream. Caitlin Clark is from Des Moines Iowa, much further north
than Louisiana. We have seen the hard work she put in to accomplish her
dreams as well. The League decided on Clark because she is
sophisticated and very well-spoken. The WNBA has had its share of stars. This league has been going strong for 28 years now and made the dreams of thousands of young
girls come true, Reese and Clark included. Women were given the
chance to play the sport they love at the highest level and on the national
stage. Angel and Caitlin have taken this opportunity to the mountain top.
I can’t believe that we are seeing the backlash from Resse and others
who attack Clark physically and verbally. When do we say enough and
start levying fines? You hit them where it hurts, taking the paycheck and
playing time.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have a chance to help pull the
WNBA from bankruptcy. If this behavior continues and clear intentions
are made, it will filter into the audience & advertisers. The WNBA
already is losing money $50 million this year alone. Big sponsors don’t
want to be involved in anything that has to do with this mess. The
League has to get together and talk it out. This issue needs to be
squashed sooner than later.
The Sports Insanity Network 