In a recent discussion on First Take, analyst Chan W. shared her thoughts on the increasing and often unfair expectations surrounding Caitlin Clark, suggesting that the Iowa superstar is being held responsible for an issue she can’t possibly solve.

“It’s official—Caitlin Clark can’t do anything about this,” Chan stated. “People are expecting her to solve the unsolvable.”

The conversation focused on the rising tension surrounding WNBA players, especially concerning the way incidents on the court have been escalated on social media. Chan mentioned how reporters have amplified the narrative surrounding an eye-poking incident between Clark and another player, despite Clark making it clear in media interviews that it was unintentional.

“We saw reporters gaslighting the situation, trying to make more of it,” she said, pointing to how social media can blow incidents out of proportion. Clark’s words were meant to minimize the event, but the rhetoric that followed only fueled the flames.

Chan further discussed how other WNBA players have faced extreme online abuse, like DiJonai Carrington, who has been vocal about the threats and racial slurs she’s received. After Clark’s unintentional involvement in the eye-poking incident, Carrington experienced racist attacks that went far beyond typical sports rivalries.

“This is what sports fandom has become,” Chan emphasized. “The abuse is bad on both sides, and anyone who tries to downplay it is missing the bigger picture.”

The conversation moved to players like Alyssa Thomas, who are typically quiet but feel compelled to speak out. “Alyssa doesn’t mince her words, but when she chooses to speak, there’s a reason behind it,” Chan pointed out, referencing a recent series involving Thomas where fans again took things too far.

As the conversation progressed, it became clear that social media has exacerbated the problem. Many WNBA players, unlike their NBA counterparts, still manage their own social media accounts, making them more vulnerable to the daily onslaught of negativity.

Chan referenced Aaliyah Boston’s decision to step away from social media, stating, “Boston’s break wasn’t a big ‘gotcha’ moment—it’s something these players should do for their own mental health. And it’s something that will benefit them in the long run.”

The problem, as Chan explained, is bigger than just Caitlin Clark. It’s a systemic issue that transcends individual players. Even if Clark, a star known for her incredible talent and grace under pressure, were to leave the WNBA, the problem would persist.

“The solution isn’t Caitlin Clark,” Chan said, driving home her point. “If she left, the negativity would just shift to someone else—maybe Sabrina Ionescu or Paige Bueckers. This is not about one player, but about how we shield these athletes from an unsolvable issue that’s affecting their mental health and safety.”

In conclusion, the discussion highlighted that while Caitlin Clark is doing her best to rise above the negativity, the weight of solving an entire league’s problems shouldn’t fall on her shoulders alone. It’s a broader issue that calls for a more comprehensive approach to protecting players from online abuse.

As Chan W. emphasized, “The WNBA must find ways to minimize the negative impact of this issue—not just for Clark, but for all its players.”