In discussions about Caitlin Clark, race frequently emerges as a topic. This was evident last week when ESPN’s Monica McNutt shared insights about the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year during her appearance on BBC News. During the interview, McNutt emphasized the significant number of young girls attending Clark’s games throughout her rookie season. When BBC special correspondent Katty Kay inquired about the uniqueness of Clark’s appeal as an Indiana Fever star, McNutt cited race as a significant factor.
“I think Caitlin represented — and again, some of this to me probably is not fair to her, because it was not anything that she said or was truly based on her personality — but she was a white girl from the middle of America,” McNutt stated. “So she represented a whole lot to many people, whether that is indeed what she ascribed to or not. We can all acknowledge she’s a dynamic basketball player and a force, both on the court and in marketing. The same can be said for those who admired Angel Reese; she may or may not have agreed with every sentiment expressed towards her. Our fandom often attaches to these icons for various reasons, and sometimes they might not be rooted in reality.
McNutt’s comments have sparked considerable backlash from those who feel her reference to Clark’s race was unwarranted, especially when considering the remarkable achievements of the 23-year-old on the court during both her illustrious college career and her rookie season, during which she was named to the All-WNBA First Team while leading the league in assists. In her defense, McNutt did mention Clark’s “dynamic” abilities as a player and drew a parallel to the popularity of Angel Reese, who is Black. Though her response may have seemed somewhat awkward, her broader message appeared to highlight that Clark’s appeal derives from both her performance and her perceived relatability as “a white girl from the middle of America.”
Ultimately, it’s naive to overlook the role of race in Caitlin Clark’s popularity, especially considering she has acknowledged her experience with white privilege. Conversely, it’s understandable why some individuals might take issue with McNutt emphasizing race as a driving force behind Clark’s phenomenon rather than recognizing her historic achievements on the court.
