Caitlin Clark’s name has been bouncing around faster than a basketball at a buzzer-beater, and for good reason. The Indiana Fever star is on a historic tear—she snagged the TIME Magazine 2024 Athlete of the Year title, broke records like they owed her money, and led her team to their first playoff appearance since 2016. But amid the applause and accolades, social media decided it was time to remind everyone that no good deed—or in this case, milestone—goes unpunished.
Enter Jemele Hill and Riley Gaines, two commentators who took Clark’s victory lap and turned it into a heated sprint through the minefield of race, privilege, and politics.
Hill’s High Praise (Followed by a Side of Drama)
Jemele Hill, ever the sharp commentator, had nothing but praise for Clark’s achievements on her show Above the Fold. “Congratulations to Caitlin Clark, TIME Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year,” Hill said in a clip shared Friday by Uninterrupted. “Well-deserved honor after Clark made history in college, finishing as the all-time leading scorer, and then carrying that momentum into the WNBA, where she won Rookie of the Year and led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.”
Sweet, right? Hill even encouraged everyone to read the TIME article, describing it as “extremely revealing.” But this wouldn’t be a Jemele Hill moment without a little spice to the mix.
Clark’s “White Privilege” Confession: Bold or Buzzkill?
It all started with Caitlin Clark’s TIME interview, where she waded into the deep end of racial dynamics. Acknowledging her race and privilege, Clark said, “I worked hard for everything I have, but I also recognize the privilege I’ve had as a white woman.” She didn’t stop there, taking time to honor Black players in the league: “There’s been so many amazing Black women that have been in this league, and continuing to uplift them is very important. That’s something I’m very aware of.”
Cue the applause—or, in this case, the argument.
Riley Gaines, a vocal critic of what she calls “woke pandering,” didn’t appreciate Clark’s remarks. She took to Twitter, criticizing the Fever star for stepping into social commentary when, according to Gaines, neutrality would’ve sufficed. “No one was asking for Caitlin Clark to position herself as a right-wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She’s a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play & achieve, so I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one,” Gaines tweeted.
Hill vs. Gaines: Shots Fired
Never one to back down from a Twitter tussle, Hill fired back at Gaines, pointing out that Gaines’ stance seemed rooted in discomfort with Clark uplifting Black players. Gaines, undeterred, volleyed right back with receipts, calling out an earlier article where Hill allegedly labeled Clark’s “race and sexuality” as “problematic.”
“This you?” Gaines tweeted, attaching the article. “Saying Caitlin Clark’s race and sexuality make her ‘problematic’???? Clark isn’t the problem. She’s the solution. Being a long-standing professional race baiter must be SO exhausting.”
Yikes. Someone get a ref, because this game is getting personal.
Fans Chime In: The Internet Referees
As with any good social media clash, the spectators had plenty to say. Some fans backed Clark, applauding her acknowledgment of privilege and her support for Black players. Others sided with Gaines, accusing Clark and Hill of playing into divisive narratives. And then there were the humorists, who joked that the WNBA hasn’t seen this much drama since Liz Cambage’s Instagram escapades.
The Bigger Picture
While the back-and-forth continues, Clark herself seems focused on what she does best: dominating on the court. Her acknowledgment of privilege and respect for Black players reflects an effort to foster inclusivity in a league that has long championed diversity. But as Shannon Sharpe wisely pointed out earlier this year, celebrating Clark’s rise doesn’t mean other players’ contributions are being erased.
For now, Caitlin Clark is learning a hard truth of stardom: whether you’re hitting game-winners or making socially conscious comments, someone, somewhere, will have an opinion—and they’ll definitely tweet about it.
