Former NFL player-turned-analyst Emmanuel Acho continues to face backlash over his comments about Caitlin Clark. He said that he believes the WNBA would be better without the Indiana Fever superstar guard. The veteran sports analyst emphasized that she is a "bigger distraction than she is an additive."
However, Dave Portnoy refused to engage with his take.
The Barstool Sports founder posted a GIF on X on Monday, expressing that he thinks what Acho said was "bait."
Clark has established herself as the most popular player in the WNBA, drawing huge crowds to arenas across the country to watch her play.
"Nobody could be this stupid so I’m gonna give him a pass," Portnoy wrote.
Portnoy has been an avid supporter of Clark and the Fever. The outspoken internet personality has also been a vocal defender of the former Iowa Hawkeyes star against her haters.
In this instance, however, Portnoy has decided not to swoop down to Acho's level.
Caitlin Clark nursing back injury
The two-time All-Star has taken the league by storm since Indiana drafted her at No. 1 in 2024. She has showcased her elite skill set, particularly her shooting and handles, throughout her career.
Clark has been on a mission this season to put her injury-plagued 2025 campaign in the rearview mirror. However, she suffered a back injury on Wednesday and sat out during Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks.
She dominated headlines for the incident involving Alyssa Thomas. The Phoenix Mercury forward made contact with her neck area with her fist, leading to a Flagrant 2 and a one-game suspension. Thomas served the punishment on Saturday versus the Toronto Tempo.
Clark's fans hope that the Fever's seven-day break will allow her to fully recover and return to action soon. Indiana will play its next game on July 5 against the Las Vegas Aces.
