“This is disgusting racism on display” – WNBA fans spark debate over Cheryl Reeve’s T-shirt choice in a game vs Fever’s Caitlin Clark.
WNBA fans spark debate over Cheryl Reeve’s T-shirt choice in a game vs Fever’s Caitlin Clark. (Photo: IMAGN)
WNBA fans debate online over Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve’s T-shirt during her team’s loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday night. Reeve has shown mixed reaction to Clark’s arrival to the league and it’s something that some fans caught over time.
Before the game started, Reeve dismissed the number of Fever fans in attendance at the Target Center. They outnumbered the Lynx fans at home, which might not be a great look for the franchise. It should be pointed out that the 57-year-old head coach is also the president of basketball operations.
Reeve also wore a “Black Girls Rock” T-shirt, which didn’t go unnoticed by conservative columnist Jason Whitlock. He called the coach a “white Alphabet” soldier and thought that the WNBA should stop their personnel from “pandering” and “virtue signaling.”
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Jason Whitlock’s comments about Cheryl Reeve’s T-shirt started a debate online on whether it was appropriate or not. Some thought that it was not a coincidence that she wore it when they were facing Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever for the first time this season.
“This is disgusting racism on display,” one fan wrote.
“Cheryl Reeves wearing a shirt thats says ‘Black Girls Rock’hwhile screaming and arguing with 2 black female officials,” one fan shared.
“Wearing it specifically when Caitlin is the opponent is strange,” another fan claimed.
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On the other hand, some fans showed support for Cheryl Reeve despite the backlash from the majority of people on X. For what it’s worth, Reeve is a four-time WNBA champion coach for the Minnesota Lynx.
“Her team is predominantly Black girls! What is she supposed to do? Wear a shirt with their faces superimposed on Mammy’s face?! Damn, man. Take a break one day from this pandering!! One day,” a fan commented.
“Pretty cool that Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the @minnesotalynx is wearing a Black Girls Rock shirt. I love that,” another fan remarked.
“I really like this lady!” one fan opined.
Cheryl Reeve watched as her team lost to Caitlin Clark and the Fever
In addition to her pregame comments, Cheryl Reeve took a subtle shot at the WNBA for not promoting the Lynx-Sky preseason game back in May. She even used the hashtags #12teams and #theWismorethanoneplayer, which might be perceived by some as unhappiness with Caitlin Clark’s arrival.
Nevertheless, the Reeve had an opportunity to shut down Clark and the Fever on Sunday in front of many Indiana fans inside the Target Center. It didn’t pan out as the Fever used a 28-14 fourth quarter to beat Minnesota 81-74.
Kelsey Mitchell led the way for the Fever with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aliyah Boston had 17 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks, while Caitlin Clark added 17 points, three rebounds and six assists.
