Caitlin Clark emerged as one of the top WNBA players during her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. Her dominance on the court was undeniable, yet her performance became a hot topic of debate throughout the 2024 season. Discussions surrounding Clark often veered away from her on-court brilliance, instead focusing on her race and even her sexuality. As the 2025 season approaches, it seems that these issues are being rehashed by pundits once again.
Cheryl Miller Calls Out ‘Big Dummies’ for Targeting Clark
Basketball legend Cheryl Miller recently addressed the criticism Clark faced during an appearance on Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes’ “All the Smoke” podcast. Miller did not hold back when she condemned those who used Clark’s race as a talking point.
“I’m gonna be honest, because it needs to be said,” Miller remarked. “I can relate to that young lady, and I felt for her. I know what it’s like to be hated. I know what it’s like to be a Black woman and to be hated because of my color. I can’t imagine this young lady – I don’t want to use hate – but despised.”
Miller acknowledged that Clark’s confidence might have rubbed some people the wrong way, but she defended the young star’s competitive nature.
“She brought some on herself, a little bit, because she’s cocky for a good reason. And I love that about her. But to watch the dynamics, and the media, they had their narrative. And I was pleased and proud to see the narrative wasn’t the truth. And Angel (Reese) and her got along so well.”
Clark and Angel Reese Show Mutual Respect
Despite the narrative that Clark and Angel Reese had animosity towards each other, Miller praised the two stars for coming together and playing harmoniously during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. Their chemistry on the court silenced the fabricated stories of rivalry and tension.
Miller admitted that she underestimated Clark’s talent initially but was thoroughly impressed after observing her gameplay closely.
“I didn’t know how talented she was and how well she sees the game in a 3D version, a thinker. Defensively, a lot better than I thought and gave her credit for,” Miller noted. “So, watching her and just spending a little time … And one thing, guys, that I’ve learned, is to step back and let these kids be themselves.”
Miller Criticizes Those Who Doubted Clark’s Impact
Cheryl Miller expressed her astonishment that many critics refused to acknowledge the immediate impact Clark had on the game.
“I was like, ‘Come on you big dummies!’ Is she getting hyped? Yes. But she was in the backyard, she was putting in the same time – maybe more than you were,” Miller said. “I can’t fault her for what she was given. Look, as much as she was given, you can’t tell me that door would’ve swung the other way where she didn’t live up to the hype. Come on, folks are still waiting for her to fall.”
Clark’s Recognition Sparks Debate Within the WNBA
Clark’s exceptional performance earned her Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year title, a prestigious honor that further fueled the ongoing debate. However, not everyone was pleased. Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson voiced her concerns about singling out Clark for such recognition.
“Why couldn’t they have put the WNBA on that cover and say, ‘The WNBA is the league of the year,’ because of all the talent that we have,” Johnson said during an appearance on CNN. “When you single out one player, it creates hard feelings, so now you’re starting to hear stories of racism within the WNBA, and I don’t want to hear that.”