Caitlin Clark, to no fault of her own, has become one of the most controversial figures in sports.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft is arguably the most popular player in the history of women's basketball. Clark is at least partially responsible for the massive growth of the WNBA, which has included huge TV rating spikes, major salary increases, huge ticket sales and more.
But it's clear that not everyone is a fan. Clark has been targeted by some of her WNBA peers, both with on-court play and with off-the-court remarks.
Things came to a tipping point this week, as Clark was hit in the groin and the neck by Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, in a skirmish that sparked major outrage. Thomas was suspended by the league, while many of Clark's fans spoke out in rage on social media.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
Everyone now seems to be talking about Clark and what is the "right" way to approach her status in the league.
The Athletic, for example, is growing tired of it all.
"It was supposed to feel like a party in the Heartland that lasts through the summer months, and a revolution for girls everywhere that’ll echo throughout generations. This was supposed to keep us — all of us — watching, celebrating and obsessing over women’s sports. This was supposed to be magic, swished in from waaaaay downtown," Candace Buckner wrote.
"But this, whatever we should call this, feels more like an airball."
Clark's boyfriend, who has a prominent following on social media, has stayed quiet
It's not out of place for the significant others, or siblings or parents, of star athletes to speak out on social media.
Caitlin Clark's boyfriend, former Iowa basketball player Connor McCaffery, has a big following on social media.
However, the boyfriend of the WNBA star has decided to remain quiet, not posting anything about the controversy.
It's probably the right move by McCaffery, though in today's sports world, it's kind of a rare one.
