Serena Williams hosted the 2024 ESPY Awards and touched on just about everything from Drake losing a rap battle to Kendrick Lamar to speaking on Caitlin Clark’s fan base.
Williams, who also spoke on Shohei Ohtani’s translator and Bronny James getting drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, mentioned Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, but her joke did not go over as well online.
Clark, who was not at the show, was nominated for three awards: Best Women’s Athlete, Best Record-breaking Performance, and Best Women’s College Athlete.
“Caitlin Clark had an amazing year and is nominated for three awards,” Williams started her joke at the packed Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. “You are the Larry Bird in that you are an amazing player, you have ties to Indiana, and white people are really crazy about you.”
Fans online were not pleased with what Serena said about Clark, and she was quickly labeled as racist.
The tennis legend, who holds 23 Grand Slam titles, has not issued an apology or spoken out since making those comments.
Much like anything said about her, Caitlin Clark is unlikely to speak out about this moment at the ESPY Awards.
Clark is getting ready to play a game on Friday against the Phoenix Mercury as she continues on her torrid pace.
Caitlin Clark Becomes First WNBA Player With Historic Stat Line
Caitlin Clark was a phenomenon in college, and it has followed her into the pros.
She left college as the top scorer in men’s or women’s college basketball history, and she is already breaking and creating records in the WNBA.
Clark made WNBA history by posting a ridiculous stat line that no other player has secured before her.
On Wednesday, Clark secured 29 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, five 3-pointers, five steals, and three blocks during a game against the Washington Mystics.
According to ESPN, Clark is currently averaging 16.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.