WNBA icon Sue Bird and soccer star Megan Rapinoe have defended Caitlin Clark following the backlash to her comments on White privilege. Clark, in a Time magazine interview, acknowledged her privilege while emphasizing the contributions of Black players to the WNBA. She stressed the importance of recognizing and celebrating these contributions, advocating for continued investment in the Black athletes who have shaped the league.
Clark's remarks ignited controversy on social media. On their podcast, "A Touch More," Bird suggested that the negative reaction from some fans reveals their true priorities. She questioned whether similar incidents involving Clark during her rookie season would have drawn the same outrage if she were a Black player. Bird expressed her belief that Clark deserved the Time Athlete of the Year award, commending her for both her accomplishments and her willingness to acknowledge her privilege. She framed this acknowledgement as essential in today's world and a reflection of shared experiences.
Bird also pointed out that Clark's race played no role in her basketball prowess. Rapinoe, meanwhile, criticized conservative media for their reaction to Clark's statements. She argued that Clark's directness in addressing her White privilege leaves no room for misinterpretation and praised her for taking control of the narrative. Rapinoe also highlighted a broader pattern of divisive reactions to positive news in women's sports, urging athletes to be mindful of how their words and actions might be manipulated within this context.
