Reaction pours in to Caitlin Clark’s white privilege comments

Indiana Fever superstar guard Caitlin Clark was named Time Magazine Athlete of the Year in 2024. Clark is receiving just as much attention for the accolade as she is for some comments that were published in the profile commemorating her. We’ll take a look at the passionate reaction coming in from all areas about Clark’s statement about white privilege in the article.

In the Time Magazine piece, Caitlin Clark said, “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege. A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been black players. This league has kind of been built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important.”

She finished it off by saying, “I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”

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Shortly after the article came out, Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson appeared on CNN to address the piece. She said, “You read Time Magazine, where Caitlin Clark was named Athlete of the Year, why couldn’t they have put the whole WNBA on that cover and said the WNBA is the league of the year, because of all the talent that we have,” Johnson questioned.

The Mystics owner added, “It’s just the structure of the way media plays out race. I feel really bad because I’ve seen so many players of color that are equally as talented and they never got the recognition that they should have, and I think right now, it is time for that to happen.”

Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly took to social media to give her thoughts on Clark’s words. Kelly posted, “Look at this. She’s on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention. The self-flagellation. The ‘oh please pay attention to the black players who are REALLY the ones you want to celebrate.’ Condescending. Fake. Transparent. Sad.”

During Time Magazine’s A Year in Time event, Clark reiterated her stance. She said, “Like I said, the WNBA has only been around 25-plus years. I know there’s been so many amazing black women that have been in this league, and continuing to uplift them I think is very important.”

At the event, the Fever sharpshooter also said, “My favorite player (growing up) was Maya Moore. I know what this league was about.”

Caitlin Clark’s brother Colin seemed to respond to Sheila Johnson’s commentary in a subtle way. On his social media, he re-shared an old post which showed that 20,711 fans showed up in Washington for a Mystics-Fever game in September 2024, which was a record.

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Former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe also weighed in on the hot button topic. On her podcast, she said, “I think what Caitlin did in her quotes, or in the article, was speak explicitly about her white privilege, like and that is what is receiving so much criticism or backlash, and like that is the lesson.” Rapinoe went on to criticize those who were coming at Clark.

Rapinoe said, “If fans are upset about her saying that and just acknowledging what is true, I think that says a lot. But I think the more that you speak directly to it the clearer it becomes what your stance is, and then you can’t be used in that way. It doesn’t really leave your beliefs or your stance as a white player to any sort of interpretation.”

Temi Fagbenle played with Caitlin Clark on the Fever during the latter’s rookie season. Fagbenle wrote on social media, “Let me make this clear. CC can speak about having white privilege without hating herself. CC can acknowledge THE REALITY of race disparities without pandering to any group.”

Fagbenle, who will play with the Golden State Valkyries next season, completed her post by saying, “CC can celebrate the GIANTS who have come before her, without diminishing her own HISTORIC accomplishments.”

According to Michael Eric Dyson of The Philadelphia Citizen, around 70 percent of the WNBA is composed of black players.

University of Connecticut college basketball star and presumptive 2025 WNBA Draft pick Paige Bueckers said, “I think it’s time for change. Sports media hold the key to storylines. Sports media and sponsors tell us who is valuable, and you have told the world that I mattered today, and everyone who voted, thank you. But I think we should use this power together to also celebrate black women.”

For all of the discussion that has ensued after Caitlin Clark’s honor, the player herself is staying focused on her objectives. She told MSNBC, “I think my best skill is just blocking out the noise, and hopefully it continues to be, because with the way things are going and where the WNBA is going, you want that attention, and you embrace it, and that’s what makes this so fun.”

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