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Barkely Comments On Caitlin Clark

Barkely Comments On Caitlin Clark

The media storm surrounding Caitlin Clark’s WNBA career is driven by jealousy, says NBA legend Charles Barkley. In a candid discussion on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Barkley didn’t hold back, expressing frustration at how the media and certain figures within the WNBA have handled Clark’s rise to prominence.

“These ladies — and I’m a WNBA fan — they could not have f***ed this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried,” Barkley said in a viral clip posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. He was referring to the relentless criticism Clark has faced since transitioning from college basketball to the pros, particularly from some within the WNBA.

Barkley’s remarks were pointed, suggesting that Clark’s detractors were driven by jealousy. While he didn’t name names, his comments came in the wake of backlash aimed at WNBA commentator Sheryl Swoopes, who has been accused of harboring an anti-Clark bias.

“This girl is incredible. The attention and eyeballs she’s brought to both college and the pros—it’s unmatched,” Barkley said, praising Clark’s impact on women’s basketball. “For these women to have this petty jealousy, it’s ridiculous.”

Barkley emphasized how poorly the situation has been handled, especially given Clark’s talent and rising profile. “You’re saying to yourself, ‘Damn, what is going on here?’” Barkley continued. “And the thing I love about her, she never says a word. But these ladies, who I love and respect, they couldn’t have f***ed this up worse.”

During the interview, Barkley highlighted Clark’s ability to adapt to the professional game after her dominant college career. He noted that Clark, who started the season slow, has made significant strides in adjusting to the faster pace of the WNBA. “She’s playing much faster, much faster. She was playing too slow the first half of the season. When I watched her play the last month, she’s playing without the ball. It reminded me a lot of Jason Kidd,” Barkley said, comparing Clark to one of the NBA’s best.

Clark’s Indiana Fever, which started the season 1-8, recently clinched their first playoff berth since 2016. Despite the challenges of adjusting to the professional game, Clark remains focused on success. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, she made it clear that simply making the playoffs isn’t enough.

“I came in with the expectation that this is what’s gonna happen. For me, this isn’t a party. I feel like it’s a great accomplishment, but I’m not just happy to be in the playoffs,” Clark said, adding, “[T]here’s still so much more on the table that we can do.”

Written by Mark Stevens - September 5, 2024