Just a few games in to her WNBA career, Caitlin Clark is already driving the game’s popularity. She and the Indiana Fever already have the three most-watched games since 2002, and the former Iowa star continues to make history off the court with her endorsement deals.
But some, including LeBron James, argue there’s a group of “haters” who don’t like the amount of attention Clark is getting as she starts her professional journey. Charles Barkley made his stance quite clear on that topic Wednesday night ahead of the NBA’s Western Conference Finals.
Barkley sounded off on the “petty” hate toward Clark on Inside The NBA, pointing out all the changes the league is making this year and giving her some of the credit. He specifically pointed out James’ comments on his podcast with J.J. Redick, saying the Los Angeles Lakers star was spot-on with his thoughts.
“You women out there, y’all petty, man,” Barkley said. “Hey, LeBron, you’re 100% right on these girls hating on Caitlin Clark. Y’all petty, girls. I expect men to be petty because we’re the most insecure group in the world. Y’all should be thanking that girl for getting y’all asses private charters, all the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA. Don’t be petty like dudes.”
Charles Barkley on Caitlin Clark: ‘Give her her flowers’
Clark’s college career became one of the most decorated of all time. She became the NCAA’s career leading scorer and also showed off her impressive passing ability over her four years at Iowa, leading the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national title game appearances. That helped her become the No. 1 overall pick to the Fever, who brought an 0-4 record into Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Storm.
But as her college career came to a close, some comments – including from WNBA greats Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart – took off as they warned about the step up in competition and set a high bar for Clark. Barkley said he wants to see more praise for the rookie guard, especially given her role in growing the game.
“Listen, what she’s accomplished, give her her flowers,” Barkley said. “Stop being petty, all you women out there. She got y’all’s asses charters, she’s bringing all y’all this money to the table. But y’all being petty like dudes. LeBron, you’re 100% right.
“Yo, girls, stop being petty. Caitlin Clark, thank you for bringing all that money and that shine to the WNBA.”
The post Charles Barkley calls out Caitlin Clark ‘hate’ as she starts WNBA career: ‘Y’all petty, man’ appeared first on On3.