A writer for New York Magazine is endorsing the physical and verbal abuse that WNBA star Caitlin Clark is facing, asserting that the constant barrage of attacks is “beneficial” for both Clark and the league.
(L-R) Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Kayla Thornton #5 of the New York Liberty fight for control of the ball during the first half at Barclays Center on June 02, 2024 in New York City. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Leitch oscillates between two groups: those who despise Clark and take pleasure in her suffering — whom he terms the “purists” — and newer, enthusiastic WNBA fans galvanized by Clark’s performance — the “casuals.”
Leitch dedicates a portion of his op-ed to justifying the “purists” who relish Clark’s maltreatment, arguing she needs to toughen up, and dismissively labels anyone opposing this view as lacking competitive spirit. As for the “casuals,” he acknowledges their newfound interest but dismisses them as latecomers who should accept the widespread animosity towards Clark.
So, why disregard the abuse? According to Leitch, it doesn’t matter because Clark hasn’t publicly addressed it. “It’s also a reminder that these conversations tend to omit one person: Clark,” he noted.
The player herself, unlike her defenders, has not lamented being targeted or the challenges of transitioning to the WNBA. She focuses on what she can control: improving her performance. That is what great athletes do: they ignore the noise and strive for excellence.
However, Clark is in a difficult position. Critics like Jemele Hill, Chennedy Carter, Angel Reese, and apparently Leitch, berate her, question her abilities, attribute her success to “privilege,” and claim she deserves the abuse. If she were to defend herself, these critics would likely escalate their attacks, branding her a “whiner” or a “complainer.” This double standard is evident.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, dribbles the ball against the New York Liberty during the second half at Barclays Center on June 02, 2024, in New York City. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Clark has little choice but to endure and continue proving her abilities on the court.
Leitch, however, condones the attacks. He argues that since Clark is “expected to be a generational talent,” it is acceptable for her opponents to adopt a “beat them up” approach. According to Leitch, pressuring Clark is actually a sign of respect for her game.
Furthermore, Leitch concludes by criticizing those who advocate for fair play and sportsmanship, suggesting that their support for Caitlin Clark reveals a lack of respect for the WNBA.
“In the end, perceiving this treatment of Clark as mere jealousy or personal pique indicates that you view the WNBA not as a legitimate basketball league but rather as a platform for Clark,” Leitch admonishes, suggesting that real fans should not seek special treatment for Clark.
“The quality of play in the WNBA has been exceptional for years. The addition of Clark (and Reese and others from a talented draft class) has further elevated it. But if you expect Clark to dominate as she did in college, you are not much of a WNBA fan,” Leitch asserts.
“Advocating for special treatment for Clark exposes a lack of respect for both the league and Clark herself. Her greatness stems from her fierce competitiveness — the hallmark of true excellence,” he maintains.
Yet, requesting fair treatment is not tantamount to seeking “special treatment.” Allowing Clark to perform without physical or verbal assault is a matter of basic decency.
Unfortunately, figures like Jemele Hill and Will Leitch seem to believe that Caitlin Clark, as a white heterosexual player, deserves to be “beaten up” merely for existing. Any opposing views, they claim, lack legitimacy because the dissenters are not considered “real” basketball fans. It really is that straightforward.
