Geno Auriemma, the legendary coach of UConn women’s basketball, stated that WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark is “being targeted” by her adversaries in the league.
Chennedy Carter scores and gives a shoulder to Caitlin Clarkpic.twitter.com/nQxkw1rvhH
— ✶ Ⓜ️ ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) June 1, 2024
“I don’t recall when (Michael) Jordan entered the league that players aimed to take him down,” he remarked. “I don’t recall when (Larry) Bird and Magic (Johnson) entered the NBA and elevated the game; I don’t recall them being targeted or beaten up simply because of who they were and the attention they garnered. And I’ve never heard any of them say, ‘Hey, why didn’t you do this when we were playing?’ Because nobody felt that way. It wasn’t the time.”
Auriemma continued, “Appreciate the fact that now is the time. I understand. It’s long overdue. Why are you blaming that kid? It’s not her fault; you would switch places with her in an instant, but you’re not there. You’re not her. So, you’re complaining that she’s receiving what she’s receiving?”
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky hinted at the jealousy in a recent interview following her flagrant foul against Clark, noting that people were watching women’s basketball because of her.
“I know I’ll go down in history,” Reese told reporters. “I’ll look back in 20 years and say: ‘Yeah, the reason we’re watching women’s basketball isn’t just because of one individual, it’s because of me too, and I want you to recognize that.”
Rebecca Lobo, a retired WNBA star and current ESPN broadcaster, disagreed with the notion that other players are envious of Caitlin Clark.
“It’s a false narrative,” Lobo said. “Are veterans being physical with her? Yes. But I haven’t seen anything excessive or dirty until that Chennedy Carter incident. Chennedy gave a previously toothless argument some fangs.”
Sports analyst Chiney Ogwumike echoed Lobo’s sentiment.
“These women are elite basketball players who compete every night long before the spotlight was on the game. This isn’t hate. This is hoops,” Ogwumike said.
