After a minor foul incident in the WNBA, ESPN’s Monica McNutt hinted at racial bias, saying things would be different if Clark had committed the foul. But fans are pointing out that Caitlin Clark was targeted all season — including by Angel Reese — and the WNBA stayed silent.
Still, Clark never played victim. Instead, she made history:
⭐ Rookie of the Year
⭐ Led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time in 8 years
⭐ 4th in MVP voting
⭐ Broke the season assist record
⭐ TIME’s Athlete of the Year
ESPN analyst Monica McNutt is under fire after suggesting racial bias in the flagrant foul incident involving WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark. McNutt claimed that if the roles had been reversed, the media reaction would have been much harsher, hinting at a double standard based on race.
However, many fans are calling her out, saying that Clark has already been the target of aggressive plays throughout her rookie season — including from players like Angel Reese — without the league issuing statements or taking major action. The recent foul, which both Clark and the opponent acknowledged as a simple basketball play, is being amplified unnecessarily, critics argue.
Clark, known for her composed demeanor, has consistently focused on her game. Despite the scrutiny and physicality she faced, she finished the season with an impressive list of accolades:
WNBA Rookie of the Year
Led Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in 8 years
Ranked 4th in MVP voting
Broke the single-season assist record
Named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year
Fans are now questioning ESPN’s hiring standards and urging the network to avoid fueling unnecessary controversies. “Why turn a standard play between two athletes into a racial debate?” one fan commented online, while others called the analysis divisive and baseless.
The debate has sparked larger conversations about fairness in sports commentary and the treatment of rising stars like Clark.
Why turn a basketball play into a race issue? Fans are asking ESPN to do better.
