Welcome to Second Guess Tuesday. Here is the enlightened opinion du jour.
Unfortunately, this ongoing Caitlin Clark circus is little more than a battle of the sexes.
Here is a case in point.
When Michael Jordan came into the NBA, did the other stars react with jealousy toward him? Of course not. A similar set of circumstances welcomed Magic Johnson into the league.
There was little to no pettiness. No jealousy. No animosity.
But in the WNBA?
It’s just the opposite.
The WNBA veteran standouts can’t seem to wait to take jabs — both verbally and physically — at Clark. The jealousy is practically dripping off their sneakers.
Why, the Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter was assessed a flagrant foul recently, while Angel Reese jumped off the bench and applauded.
Ever seen any NBA player act like that?
No.
That’s because NBA players aren’t jealous of each other. Envious, perhaps? Oh, sure. But jealous? No way.
Reese went so far as to say, “The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that. It’s not just because of one person [Clark].”
How petty.
And how juvenile.
What’s worse, Reese wasn’t a lone wolf howling in the hoops wilderness.
Carter threw more venom on the issue by saying Clark isn’t a top player. “Besides 3-point shooting, what does she bring to the table, man?”
There are so many replies to that inane question, we’ll just let it slide without rebuke.
Who would have expected outright jealousy between the WNBA players? It really doesn’t work in professional sports, which is what we are witnessing currently.
What are other basketball aficionados saying about this situation?
Legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma is a bit taken aback by all the insults and catcalls.
The part that truly baffles Auriemma is how the WNBA players are treating Clark on and off the court.
“Is she facing the rookie challenge,” Auriemma asked, “the rookie hardships that are inherent with being a rookie? Yes. She’s also being targeted. Why are you blaming that kid? It’s not her fault because you would trade places with her in a minute. But, you are not there. You’re not her.
“So, you’re complaining that she’s getting what she’s getting.”
Auriemma took a different approach to the situation, again comparing the women’s competition to the NBA.
“I don’t remember when Jordan came into the NBA guys looking to go out and beat him up,” he said. “I don’t remember when [Larry] Bird and Magic came in the league and elevated the NBA, them getting targeted and getting beat up just because of who they were and the attention they were getting.”
Well said.
At the end of the day, the battle of the sexes is still happening.
What a shame.
