Dick Vitale criticizes WNBA players, claiming that jealousy affected their voting, resulting in Caitlin Clark being ranked as merely the 9th best guard, even though she has made a significant impact on the league.

The WNBA had never seen a rookie like Caitlin Clark. From the moment she stepped onto the hardwood, the league’s energy shifted. Arenas that once struggled to fill seats were suddenly packed with fans—many in Iowa Hawkeyes gold, others just eager to see the player whose three-pointers and no-look passes had taken over highlight reels. TV ratings soared. Merchandise sold out. Charter flights, long a dream for weary players, became a reality as league revenues spiked.

But with fame comes scrutiny, and with change comes resistance.

The All-Star voting results dropped on a humid July morning. Fans were buzzing, expecting Caitlin to be among the top guards—maybe even the top overall vote-getter. Instead, she was ranked ninth among guards, a snub that set social media ablaze. Analysts dissected the voting, noting that while fans and media had overwhelmingly voted for Clark, her fellow WNBA players had ranked her far lower.

That’s when Dick Vitale, the legendary basketball broadcaster known for his exuberant style and passionate opinions, took to social media.

“It is absurd the way that a number of players in the WNBA have treated Caitlin Clark!” he wrote, his words echoing across Twitter, Instagram, and every sports talk show in America. “So sad, but I bet they love the charter flights, the increase in salaries, the crowds, the TV ratings since she arrived from Iowa. No doubt she is the best thing to happen to the WNBA.”

His post was more than a hot take; it was a match tossed into a powder keg.

The Locker Room Divide

Inside the Indiana Fever’s practice facility, Caitlin sat on a bench, headphones around her neck, scrolling through the news. Her phone buzzed with messages—some supportive, some angry, many just confused. Her teammates moved around her, stretching, tying shoes, chatting quietly. She felt the eyes on her, the tension in the air.

It wasn’t that her teammates disliked her. Most respected her game, and some were even grateful for the changes she’d brought: sold-out crowds, national TV coverage, more money in their paychecks. But there was also an undercurrent of resentment. Some veterans felt overlooked, their years of grinding in obscurity now overshadowed by a rookie’s stardom. Others bristled at the constant questions about Caitlin, as if the league hadn’t existed before her.

“Don’t let it get to you,” said Erica, the team’s starting forward, sitting beside Caitlin. “You know how it is. This league’s been fighting for respect for decades. Now everyone’s acting like you invented women’s basketball.”

Caitlin smiled, grateful. “I just want to play. I’m not trying to take anything away from anyone.”

“I know. But not everyone sees it that way.”

The Media Storm

Dick Vitale’s comments had turned the All-Star snub into a national story. Sports networks debated the issue for days.

On ESPN, a panel of analysts squared off:

“Dick’s right,” said one. “Caitlin Clark has revolutionized the WNBA. The numbers don’t lie—attendance, ratings, revenue, all up. She should be celebrated, not punished.”

A former player shook her head. “It’s not about jealousy. It’s about respect. Caitlin’s great, but there are veterans who’ve been carrying this league for years. They deserve recognition too.”

Social media was even more divided. Some fans echoed Vitale, accusing WNBA players of being jealous or petty. Others defended the players, insisting that respect had to be earned, not given.

Caitlin’s Response

At the next press conference, cameras flashed as Caitlin took her seat. A reporter asked the question on everyone’s mind: “Caitlin, how do you feel about being ranked ninth among guards by your fellow players?”

She took a breath, choosing her words carefully. “I respect every player in this league. I know how hard they’ve worked to build the WNBA into what it is. I’m just grateful to be here and to compete with the best. My focus is on helping my team win, not on rankings.”

She smiled, but inside, she was rattled. She’d always been confident, but this was different. She wanted to fit in, to be respected—not just for her talent, but for her work ethic and love of the game.

Dick Vitale Doubles Down

Dick Vitale, never one to back down, continued his campaign. He appeared on radio shows, wrote op-eds, and even called Caitlin personally.

“You keep doing your thing, Caitlin!” he boomed over the phone. “Don’t let the naysayers get you down. You’re a PTP’er—a prime-time performer! The league’s lucky to have you.”

Caitlin laughed, the tension easing a little. “Thanks, Dick. I appreciate it.”

“Remember, greatness always gets resistance. You keep winning, they’ll come around.”

The Turning Point

The All-Star Game approached. Despite the controversy, Caitlin was selected as a reserve. The crowd in Phoenix gave her a standing ovation when she checked in. Her teammates, perhaps sensing the weight she carried, cheered from the bench.

On the court, Caitlin played her heart out—not for the cameras, not for the critics, but for the love of the game. She dished out assists, hit step-back threes, and even dove for a loose ball, crashing into the scorer’s table. The veterans on her team noticed. After the game, one of the league’s longtime stars, Maya, approached her.

“You’re the real deal, kid,” Maya said, offering a fist bump. “Just keep playing. The rest will take care of itself.”

A New Understanding

As the season wore on, the narrative began to shift. Caitlin’s relentless work ethic, humility, and willingness to learn won over more and more players. She spoke up in the locker room, but also listened. She credited her teammates in every interview, deflected praise, and showed up early for practice.

The league, meanwhile, continued to grow. Charter flights became standard. Salaries rose. More girls wore WNBA jerseys to school, dreaming of being the next Caitlin Clark—or the next Maya, or the next Erica.

The Legacy

By the end of the season, the initial resentment had faded. Caitlin was named Rookie of the Year, and the Fever made the playoffs for the first time in years. At the awards ceremony, Dick Vitale sat in the front row, beaming.

In her acceptance speech, Caitlin said, “This league is built on the shoulders of giants—women who fought for every inch, every dollar, every fan. I’m honored to be part of that story. I hope I can help make the WNBA even better for the next generation.”

The crowd rose to its feet, players and fans alike. Dick Vitale wiped away a tear, shouting, “Awesome, baby!” as the applause thundered on.

In the end, it wasn’t about rankings or jealousy. It was about the game, the growth, and the unbreakable spirit of those who loved it.