Caitlin Clark—an undeniable basketball phenom, a WNBA superstar, and now, apparently, the latest recruit in the endless cultural war over race and privilege. Clark’s comments about “white privilege” during her Time Magazine Athlete of the Year interview have sent the internet into its usual tailspin, leaving common-sense observers shaking their heads and wondering why yet another star athlete felt the need to wade into the deep end of America’s favorite controversy.
Let’s get one thing straight: Caitlin Clark is the WNBA right now. Her electric style, incredible skill, and sheer marketability have done more to elevate the league than any marketing campaign ever could. She’s a once-in-a-generation player, drawing massive crowds and making people who’ve never watched the WNBA tune in. In short, she’s carrying the league on her shoulders. But instead of basking in her hard-earned glory, she felt compelled to apologize—not for something she did, but for who she is. Why? Because it’s 2024, and apparently, no one is allowed to just succeed without addressing their perceived “privilege.”
Clark’s comments about wanting to “elevate Black women” and acknowledging the league’s foundation being built on their talents weren’t offensive, per se. They were just… unnecessary. Nobody questioned her respect for the WNBA’s history. Nobody doubted her admiration for Black players like Maya Moore. She didn’t need to explain herself, and certainly not by leaning into the narrative that her success is somehow tied to systemic privilege. That only pours fuel on a fire that thrives on guilt, division, and endless debate.
Enter Megyn Kelly, who called out Clark’s remarks as fake and condescending. Predictably, the usual suspects pounced on Kelly because, well, it’s Megyn Kelly. But her critique wasn’t off base. The constant demand for public figures—especially white ones—to address their privilege or profess guilt for their achievements is exhausting. It’s a lose-lose game. If you say nothing, you’re complicit. If you say something, it’s never enough. And if you say the wrong thing, well, prepare to trend on Twitter for all the wrong reasons.
Look at this. She’s on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention. The self-flagellation. The “oh pls pay attention to the black players who are REALY the ones you want to celebrate.” Condescending. Fake. Transparent. Sad. https://t.co/cTzk0CTLPn
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) December 10, 2024
Clark’s subsequent comments during her Time acceptance speech didn’t do much to quell the backlash. She reiterated her respect for the WNBA and emphasized her authenticity, which is fine, but the damage was already done. By even bringing up “privilege,” she handed critics ammunition to dissect her every word going forward. The same crowd demanding her contrition will now expect it every time she’s in the spotlight, while her core fans—the ones who love her for her incredible game—are left wondering why she even went there in the first place.
The WNBA wants to die, and I for one am fine with letting it.
This is a league that *still* lost $40 million this year despite the temporary rush of excitement around Caitlin Clark. https://t.co/MhDHmEeBhw
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) December 12, 2024
And let’s not forget the stakes here. The WNBA is finally gaining momentum, thanks in large part to Clark’s appeal. She’s the face of the league, bringing in new fans and elevating its profile to unprecedented heights. Yet by stepping into the minefield of race and privilege, she risks alienating people who just want to watch great basketball without a side of cultural guilt.
NEW: Caitlin Clark doubles down, says she will help elevate black WNBA players because it’s “very important.”
Clark was asked about “race and gender and s*xuality in sport” and specifically about comments made by Megyn Kelly.
“I grew up a fan of this league from a very young… pic.twitter.com/95PBhRL1P8
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 12, 2024
Caitlin Clark didn’t need to address white privilege. Her game speaks for itself. Her success is built on relentless hard work, undeniable talent, and an ability to connect with fans. The color of her skin has nothing to do with that. But now, she’s opened the door to endless scrutiny, ensuring that every interview, every press conference, and every social media post will be dissected for hidden meaning.
The bottom line? Caitlin Clark should stick to what she does best: being the most exciting player in basketball and steering clear of the media’s obsession with identity politics.
