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As discourse around Indiana Fever rookie and women’s basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark grows louder, some of the discussion has taken an uglier turn into racism and misogyny directed at the rest of the WNBA. On Thursday, Clark refuted that language, saying that she does not want her name used in that context.
“Everybody in our world deserves the same amount of respect. The women in our league deserve the same amount of respect,” Clark said in response to a question from The Athletic.
“People should not be using my name to push those agendas.”
Clark, who has been subjected to online commenters using her name in discussions to denigrate other WNBA players, emphasized that any racist or misogynistic comments are “not acceptable.” She expressed disappointment at the use of her name in such discussions, stating that it is unacceptable and stressed the importance of treating every single woman in the league with the same amount of respect, calling it “just a basic human thing that everybody should do.”
Due to Clark’s fame as a white basketball player, her name has been brought up in culture wars and online debates, including the discussion around why she was left off the Team USA Olympic basketball roster and the reaction to several hard fouls committed against her early in her WNBA career.
Clark’s firm stance on the issue comes in response to her earlier statement earlier in the week, where she asserted that she doesn’t pay attention to her name being used in “culture wars,” emphasizing her focus on basketball. This statement received pushback from members of the media as well as Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington. Subsequently, Clark reiterated that it was “unacceptable” for anyone to use her name to “push those agendas.”
As Clark’s profile continues to rise, her vocal stance against racism and misogyny in the WNBA not only highlights her determination to bring attention to the issue but also underscores the need for equality and respect for all players in the league. This stands as a clear indication of her commitment to the sport and her fellow athletes, sending a powerful message of solidarity and inclusion.
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