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Caitlin Clark has come under fire from fans after apologising for being named Athlete of the year.
WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark has found herself at the centre of controversy following her remarks after being named TIME magazine’s Athlete of the Year.
In a statement that has since gone viral, the Indiana Fever point guard reflected on her achievements while addressing the privilege she believes played a role in her success.
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark remarked.
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“A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that.”
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13:14 - 20.09.2024
Caitlin Clark: The 22 y/o Basketball women’s star who scored an astonishing 26 goals in 6 games as a footballer
Caitlin Clark dominated soccer before transitioning to basketball.
Caitlin Clark draws social media storm over apologetic remarks
Clark’s remarks drew widespread criticism on social media, with many labelling her comments as unnecessary and divisive.
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One user, @nwiegner, wrote: “Wow, this is just sad. Forced into feeling guilty for being white and good at basketball. She is letting a lot of people down with this self-inflicted pandering. Disappointing.”
Another user, @KarkWriteGirl, added, “Caitlin Clark is another disappointment. Apologising for being white and pledging to keep fighting for ‘change’... Stop the reverse racism.”
Other users were more direct in their disdain.
“Pathetic,” @alwayssbased quipped, while @dnasty2014 wrote, “Never apologise for the colour of your skin lol that's some weak ass sh*t.”
Despite the backlash, Clark’s comments have reignited conversations about privilege, diversity, and representation in the WNBA.
As the league continues to grow, Clark’s remarks underscore the complexities of navigating success in a space shaped by pioneers from diverse backgrounds.
Caitlin Clark’s rise to stardom and the ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’
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At just 22 years old, Clark has had a meteoric rise in the WNBA.
Drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024, she quickly cemented her place in the league, winning Rookie of the Year and earning selections to the All-WNBA First Team and the All-Star Game.
She shattered multiple records, including rookie scoring and single-game assists, becoming the first rookie since Candace Parker to make the All-WNBA First Team.
Her dominance on the court has led to the "Caitlin Clark effect," a term used to describe her impact on the popularisation of women’s basketball.
But her post-award comments have sparked a heated debate online.
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