Caitlin Clark found herself on the receiving end of a tough foul from Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky during the Indiana Fever’s nail-biting victory on Saturday, sparking a whirlwind of conversation across the sports sphere.
As Carter took to Threads to critique Clark’s game, the tension spilled over into Monday, dominating discussions on ESPN’s “First Take.” Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt, Shannon Sharpe, and host Molly Qerim all weighed in, offering their perspectives on the unfolding drama.
The WNBA drama bled into Monday and was the first topic of discussion on ESPN’s “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith.
Smith suggested that jealousy among WNBA players towards Clark’s spotlight since her debut in the league could be fueled by race, highlighting a potentially sensitive and significant aspect of the discussion.
“There are girls – young ladies – in the WNBA who are jealous of Caitlin Clark. She is a White girl that has come into the league,” Smith said. “She has bursted onto the scene. She hasn’t proven herself yet. It’s not even about them thinking they’re better than her because they probably know it at this particular juncture because they’ve been playing on a level she just arrived to.
Smith delved deeper into the source of resentment, emphasizing the years of hard work, dedication, and commitment put in by WNBA players to elevate the league’s profile. He suggested that some players might feel their efforts were overshadowed by Clark’s rapid success, which could lead to feelings of frustration and resentment towards her.
Smith implied that it would be wise for individuals to recognize and appreciate Caitlin Clark’s talent and success, leveraging it to their advantage. Rather than resenting her achievements, he suggested that players could use her presence to elevate the competition and support her while still competing fiercely on the court.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever defends against the New York Liberty on June 2, 2024, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
2024 WNBA ODDS: WILL TURMOIL AFFECT CAITLIN CLARK’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CAMPAIGN?
Smith expressed that his concern wasn’t solely focused on Carter’s past actions or the specific play in question but rather on placing the entire situation into perspective. He aimed to provide a broader understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident and its implications within the context of the league and the players involved.
Smith acknowledged the complexities of the situation, recognizing that the player involved, Caitlin Clark, has become a prominent figure in the WNBA. He noted that while there was a report of Clark initiating contact with an elbow, there were also other actions leading up to the incident, including name-calling and physical contact. Smith emphasized the importance of considering the context of competitive play while refraining from exaggerating the incident’s significance.
Smith highlighted the need to acknowledge and appreciate the level of animosity directed towards Caitlin Clark, who is being promoted as the ‘golden girl’ of the WNBA, especially considering her race. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential hostility that exists within the league towards a white player who is receiving significant attention and promotion.
Despite Chennedy Carter’s foul being upgraded from a common foul to a flagrant-1 violation on Sunday, no further disciplinary action was taken against her.
Carter raised questions on Threads regarding Caitlin Clark’s skill set beyond her prowess in 3-point shooting, particularly after Clark declined to address the specific play in question.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts after scoring against the Seattle Storm, Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Indianapolis.
HOT NEWS:
PRINCE HARRY ‘MISSES’ AILING KATE MIDDLETON BUT CAN’T MEND TIES AS MEGHAN MARKLE INSISTS SHE IS OWED AN APOLOGY
Prince Harry was once very close to Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton (Getty Images)
LONDON, UK: Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were once quite close to each other but things reportedly began to worsen when Harry decided to marry Meghan Markle and they eventually separated from the royal family.
However, now the Duke of Sussex reportedly regrets the distance.
Harry used to share ‘uncomplicated relationship’ with Kate
Royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror, “He really misses that warm, uncomplicated relationship, and he is torn between loyalty to his wife and regret about the loss of the woman he was so close to.”
“Losing Kate was Harry’s second great loss after losing his mother,” he asserted.
Meghan Markle wants Kate Middleton to ‘apologize’ to her
The expert also mentioned that Meghan does not feel the same way as her husband.
He explained, “Megan doesn’t feel guilty about Kate, because she feels that Kate should’ve been the one person in the Royal Family to back her against every difficulty.”
Quinn continued, “Apart from anything else, Meghan knew Kate was an outsider, so she just couldn’t understand why Kate always towed the Royal line rather than supporting her, Meghan, the other outsider.”
The author shared that though the Duchess of Sussex has been shocked by Kate’s cancer, “she can see no way to patch up the relationship simply because it has become so poisonous.”
“She also doesn’t want people saying that she is trying to make things up with Kate just because Kate is ill. Meghan still feels Kate was in the wrong and should apologize before they try to build bridges,” Quinn added.
Kate Middelton’s shocking health update
This came after in March, Kate released a video statement on Instagram, letting people know about her health.
She said, “It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.”
The mother-of-three further mentioned, “The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”
“My medical team therefore advised I should undergo preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment. This of course comes as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this for our young family.”
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort, and the love and support and kindness that has been shown from so many of you. As a family, we need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she added.
HOT NEWS:
MEGHAN MARKLE’S EX-HUSBAND LEAKS HER ‘HORRIFIC’ PAST AMID ‘RIDICULOUS’ CLAIMS ABOUT SELF-MADE LEADING LADY
Meghan Markle had her first husband agree to a “pregnancy contract” to ensure she had every luxury during pregnancy, a close friend revealed to the source. The then-rising actress was so concerned about the challenges of pregnancy and maintaining her celebrity figure that she demanded Trevor Engelson pay for a personal trainer and a nutritionist if they conceived. Additionally, she arranged for childcare details, ensuring Engelson would cover the cost of a nanny.
This revelation comes just days after Meghan and Prince Harry announced they were expecting their first child, adding a new layer to the phrase “too posh to push.”
At the time of the agreement, which occurred a few years after Meghan’s 2011 wedding to Engelson, she was achieving success with the TV series “Suits.” The friend, once close to Meghan, mentioned that the Duchess was focused on avoiding weight gain due to her career and the family tendency towards a heavier body type.
Meghan was particularly concerned about her face showing any weight gain, prompting her to insist on having a personal trainer and a nutritionist during and after pregnancy.
Pregnancy contracts, increasingly popular in the US and especially in Los Angeles, typically cover parental responsibilities and household duties after childbirth. However, Meghan’s main focus was on health and weight management.
The agreement, which Meghan wrote herself, was informal but taken very seriously by her. Engelson, understanding Meghan’s concerns about her image and her insecurity about her body, complied without objection.
Meghan and Engelson, who met in 2004 and married in 2011, saw their relationship strain as Meghan filmed “Suits” in Toronto while Engelson remained in Los Angeles.
They separated in the summer of 2013 and divorced in 2014 citing “irreconcilable differences.” Engelson has since remarried, tying the knot with nutritionist Tracey Kurland in a low-key ceremony in October.
Now part of the Royal Family, Meghan’s image is carefully managed, and she enjoys every luxury.
A friend noted that Meghan loves being pampered and is likely thrilled about impending motherhood. She aims to balance being a symbol of feminism and empowerment with her roles as a mother and a royal.
Despite her excitement, Meghan’s desire for control and her image-conscious nature may cause some insecurity about the future. Her friend hopes Prince Harry is ready to support her through this new chapter, as Meghan sets high standards for him, partly due to her strained relationship with her father.
Meghan and Harry are currently on a royal tour in Fiji, where Harry expressed his hope for their first child to be a girl during a toast at a state dinner.
