Caitlin Clark was named as the most recent Eastern Conference Player of the Week in the WNBA
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark during the WNBA’s 2024 regular season
Charles Barkley, never one to hold back, recently voiced his strong opinions on the treatment of Caitlin Clark within the WNBA, criticizing certain players for what he perceives as “petty jealousy” towards the Indiana Fever rookie.
Barkley is done with all the hate towards Caitlin Clark
During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, the NBA legend-turned-broadcaster didn’t mince words, expressing frustration over the way Clark has been received by some of her peers in the league.
Barkley, who has been vocal in his support of Clark throughout her remarkable rookie season, revisited the topic to underscore his concerns.
“These ladies-and I’m a WNBA fan-cannot have f***ed this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried,” he said, emphasizing that the attention Clark has brought to women’s basketball should be celebrated, not stifled.
Clark’s debut season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the young guard putting up historic numbers and drawing significant attention to the WNBA.
However, Barkley suggests that some of this attention has not been met with the enthusiasm one might expect.
“This girl is incredible,”Barkley continued.
“The number of attention, eyeballs she’s brought to college and the pros. And for these women to have this petty jealousness. You say to yourself, damn, what is going on here?”
Caitlin Clark continues to tune out outside hate
Throughout the season, Clark has found herself at the center of various controversies, whether it be on-court altercations or perceived slights from fellow players and even her own coach.
Despite these challenges, Clark has continued to shine, recently earning her second consecutive WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor.
From August 26 to September 1, Clark led the Fever to a perfect 4-0 record, averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
During this stretch, she also set a WNBA rookie record for the most made 3-point field goals in a season, further solidifying her place as one of the league’s rising stars.
Barkley also commended Clark’s ability to stay focused amid the negativity.
“And the thing I love about her, she never says a word. But these ladies who I love and respect their game, they couldn’t have f***ed this thing up any worse. There’s been so much negativity, and a lot of it is just petty jealousness.”
While Barkley didn’t specify whether his comments were directed at particular incidents-such as the flagrant fouls by the Chicago Sky or the altercation with Skylar Diggins-Smith-his message was clear: Clark’s talent and impact deserve to be recognized and respected.
