Caitlin Clark, basketball’s golden child and TIME Magazine’s freshly minted Athlete of the Year, has finally responded to the whirlwind of controversy surrounding her heartfelt praise of Black players in women’s basketball. And let’s just say, her rebuttal is as sharp as her jump shot and just as unapologetically fearless.
In her TIME feature, Clark didn’t just bask in the glory of her accolades—she handed the mic to her idols, including the likes of Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Dawn Staley, and Maya Moore, crediting them for her path to stardom. But it seems not everyone appreciated her homage. Some critics, including professional opinion-shooter Megyn Kelly, accused her of “apologizing for being white.” (Cue the collective eye roll of basketball fans everywhere.)
Caitlin Clark Claps Back, with Style
At TIME’s glitzy “A Year in TIME” gala on Wednesday, Clark addressed the criticism like a seasoned MVP. “My favorite player growing up was Maya Moore. I know what this league is about,” she began. “It’s only been around for 25-plus years, and amazing Black women have been the backbone of it. Uplifting them isn’t just important—it’s necessary.”
Clark didn’t just double down—she slam-dunked her stance with the grace of a buzzer-beater three-pointer. “I try to be real and authentic. If that’s controversial, then call me Caitlin Controversial Clark!” she joked, with a wink to the irony of her so-called “polarizing” persona.
The Internet’s Hot Takes
Social media, of course, went into overdrive. Supporters praised her for her honesty and humility, while critics seemed to be grasping at straws, or maybe bricks, judging by the backlash.
One user tweeted: “Caitlin Clark is showing us how it’s done—celebrating greatness without overshadowing others. The league needs more of this energy!” Meanwhile, another lamented: “Clark being slammed for giving credit where it’s due is peak 2024.”
But the real MVP of reactions? A tweet showing Clark holding her TIME Athlete of the Year award, captioned: “Caitlin’s critics can’t even carry this trophy, let alone her legacy.”
The Weight of Legacy
In the TIME feature, Clark was refreshingly candid about her visibility in the WNBA, a league she described as being “built on the brilliance of Black players.” She called for brands and companies to invest in elevating their contributions. “Highlighting their greatness isn’t charity—it’s common sense,” she declared, in a mic-drop moment that could rival any of her game-winning plays.
And if you’re wondering how Clark handles the criticism? She’s got a thick skin and a sharper wit. “I don’t care what people say about me,” she said. “Honestly, I feel like the most controversial person for simply being myself. It’s confusing, but hey, if it gets people talking about women’s basketball, I’ll take it.”
Rookie Year to Remember
While the haters were busy nitpicking, Clark was busy breaking records. Her rookie season in the WNBA was nothing short of legendary. First Team All-WNBA honors? Check. Rookie of the Year? Double-check. New records in assists and 3-point shooting? Triple-check.
Clark’s impact extends far beyond the court. Her dedication to celebrating those who paved the way is setting a new standard for how athletes use their platforms.