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Caitlin Clark got the people talking after saying there’s “privilege” as a white person. The Indiana Fever star sat down with Time after being named Athlete of the Year. During their conversation, she spoke about her accomplishments. After all, it’s hard not to. The WNBA sensation set several records in 2024. One of the most impressive was her stat as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history for men’s or women’s basketball. Because of that, and her several other accolades, a lot of eyes were fixated on her. However, Caitlin admitted that it’s not just because of her that women’s basketball is currently exploding. According to her, props should be given to Black athletes, too. So, what else did she have to say?
Celebrating Black Players Is ‘Important’ to Caitlin Clark
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing,” Caitlin Clark said before saying she’s benefited from “privilege” as a “white person.” She went on, saying many of the WNBA’s star athletes have been “Black players.” According to her, the league has been “built” on their backs. Clark said that she’s hopeful more people can celebrate that truth. Later, she called on “brands and companies to invest in those players that have made this league incredible.” She finished, saying she understood part of the burden was on her. “I have to continue to try to change that,” she said. “The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”
Fans replied to her message in the comments, praising the 22-year-old for her maturity.
“She’s giving the Black women in the league their flowers,” one user wrote. “She’s also acknowledging their efforts for evolving women’s basketball.” Another person also chimed in, saying they’ve always “loved” Caitlin. “I don’t get why she gets so much hate.” A third also wrote in, saying they’re a massive fan of Clark’s, but “it’s her fans that we have an issue with. If you know, you know.”
Speaking of which, Clark’s fanbase, who’s known to attack her critics online ruthlessly, also shared their feelings.
“Her privilege is her talent,” someone wrote on X. “Not her skin color. She’s not selling out arenas because she’s white.” Another person also chimed in, claiming Caitlin’s statements are part of the reason “nobody likes the WNBA.” They continued: “The only player worth watching, and she has apologized to a bunch of entitled women. No, thank you.”
However, a few of her fans agreed, saying there’s “truth” in what Clark said. “I respect what she said. There’s only a few real ones like Eminem that will admit ‘privilege’ can play a factor. It’s NOT everything. You still have to work hard, but some have to work a bit harder. Not hard to understand.”
Caitlin on Angel Reese
Elsewhere, during her chat with Time, Caitlin Clark spoke about her “fabricated” feud with Angel Reese.
“I don’t get that at all,” Clark said. “We’re not best friends by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another. Yes, we have had tremendous battles. But when have I ever guarded her? And when has she guarded me?”
The WNBA All-Stars garnered a lot of attention after the 2023 NCAA championship game, in which LSU defeated Iowa 102 to 85. As the match was winding down, Reese made the classic “You Can’t See Me” gesture toward Clark, which some watchers took as taunting.
“It really didn’t bother me,” Clark admitted. “It’s just like, ‘Why don’t you talk about them winning? Or the incredible run that we went on that nobody would have thought we would have ever gone on?’ The only thing people cared about was this controversy that was really fabricated and made up, and then that has continued to be the case ever since.”
Since it’s the offseason, fans won’t see much of Reese or Clark regarding basketball. However, both stars are set to return for the 2025 season, and if it’s anything like this year, it’s sure to be a blast.
