“You f**kers are crazy” – Dave Portnoy defends Caitlin Clark against critics of ‘white privilege’ remarks
Dave Portnoy defends Caitlin Clark against critics of ‘white privilege’ remarks – Image: Getty
Sports commentator Dave Portnoy has criticized the backlash Caitlin Clark has faced and expressed frustration over how the Indiana Fever star finds herself in a no-win situation, despite her clear stance on the controversial topics she’s been called out for.
In a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Portnoy condemned the criticism Clark received. Clark, who was named TIME Athlete of the Year, had recently discussed how she wants to ensure Black players in the league are recognized for their significant impact on the sport.
Clark has been the target of widespread criticism after drawing a large following to the league.
“This backlash of like, ‘Caitlin turned on the league’ and ‘Caitlin is woke’ and ‘Caitlin is this’ — you f**kers are crazy and that’s what I hate,” Portnoy said.
Portnoy defended Clark, stating that her popularity is not due to her race but rather her style of play.
“I will say this loud and clear. Caitlin Clark’s popularity has absolutely nothing to do with the color of her skin … Anybody who has actually watched women’s basketball or watch basketball, watch Caitlin knows she plays totally different than any woman before her.”
Portnoy also refuted the idea that the rise of the WNBA was not tied to Clark’s presence.
“If Caitlin Clark was not in the WNBA, nobody would be talking about women’s basketball, period. End of story. … There’s been a ton of white players who were great in the league before her. Nobody cared. Nobody’s showing the same attention. Why? … Nobody was like Caitlin.”Caitlin Clark pays tribute to her Black athlete idols
Caitlin Clark has addressed the backlash she’s received after being named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year and used the opportunity to highlight the contributions of Black athletes to women’s basketball.
In the feature, Clark expressed her admiration for her idols, including Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Dawn Staley and her childhood hero, Maya Moore, who paved the way for her success.
“I know there’s been so many amazing Black women that have been in this league, and continuing to uplift them, I think, is very important. And that’s something I’m very aware of. And like I said, I try to just be real and authentic and share my truth.”
Clark also acknowledged the increased visibility she’s brought to the WNBA, emphasizing the need to amplify Black players’ contributions.
“A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. … The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing,” she said.
Clark is only the second woman to receive TIME’s Athlete of the Year award, following gymnast Simone Biles, and the second basketball player to receive the honor, after LeBron James.
