Caitlin Clark Is Getting Used as a ‘Political Pawn’, Claims Radio Talk Show Host

Caitlin Clark’s fan base is undeniably huge. As she paved her way to the Fever, Clark even majorly contributed to the WNBA arenas filling up to 94%. So far, all of her games have been sold out despite criticism of her performance. This impact has spread beyond the fans to hold a rather negative response on Clark and the league, a thought, Fox Sports Radio hosts share.

On the recent Fox Sports Radio, co-hosts Aaron Torres & Jason Martin discussed the impact Clark has been having on the WNBA. The latter was of the opinion that it is increasingly becoming less of the game and more about what Caitlin does on the court. “What she does on court is becoming largely irrelevant because everybody wants a piece of cake Caitlin Clark for their ideology,” he says. Interestingly, it is something Martin predicted when Clark was in the NCAA.

Martin relives how he had texted Torres asking him to watch ‘how Clark would be treated’ and ‘how the players would go after her’. According to his co-host, Martin was even afraid of the extent of it. “You literally said, I am afraid she might get hurt,” Torres recalls, and he now seems to be on par with Martin’s views.

“She’s a political pawn now. She is a vehicle that people use to make a point about whatever societal ills,” Torres adds, concerned that her game isn’t being discussed as much as what she says and what others say of her. As rightly pointed out, the Fever’s No.22, has been the subject of numerous and more debates of late.

After Sunday’s game, where Clark was flagrantly fouled yet again, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley used her X account to ignite a fiery debate around Clark. She was in disagreement with the committee’s decision to exclude Clark, stating she had outscored everyone on the roster in 3-pointers and only one led her in assists. It was quickly resonated by the House Judiciary GOP, who attested Clark should be on the Olympic team.

Furthermore, thanks to Clark’s huge fanbase, Reese’s smack on the WNBA Draft No. 1 rookie came across ESPN’s Pat McAfee. He not only invoked her race but also argued that she deserved more credit than the WNBA’s (mostly black) rookie class. Though he apologized for such remarks later, he discussed, “She’s saying, ‘Look, I just want to play basketball.’ She’s not out leading rallies, saying anything about anybody.”

The hosts on Fox Sports Radio justified Clark’s focus on WNBA matchups, adding, “She’s not out there speaking against one group or another. All she’s doing is being Caitlin Clark. Now she’s super competitive, and she trash talks like everybody else in the WNBA. But she is also who she is… and unfortunately, that’s just not good enough.” Being the WNBA draft’s No. 1 pick, Clark was expected to perform better than she currently does. Did you know her collegiate stats were better than her WNBA’s?

WNBA a la Caitlin Clark

Before making it to the WNBA, Iowa High School’s guard averaged 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game this season. But, after being picked up as WNBA’s No. 1 draft, her stats witnessed a significant decrease. As of now, she averages 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, which is questionably low.

In the last matchup against the Chicago Sky, she contributed 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists in 37 minutes to the team’s 91-83 win. But, before this, she accumulated just 7 points in 35 minutes against the Atlanta Dream. Even though the Fever has made a comeback with two consecutive wins, Clark seems to be still struggling with the cons of the WNBA.

Being subjected to fouls, a little of criticisms, and a whole lot of narratives over instances. However, Clark has been well receptive of the ways of the game. “It’s just part of basketball. It is what it is,” she said after Angel Reese was handed a foul following a a blow Clark received. Reese had disagreed with the decision to call it ‘basketball play’.

Clark also had a similar reaction when the Chennedy Carter and DiJonai Carrington issue went around. Clark expressed her disregard for the increased conversations about instances off the game and ignorance towards the ‘amazing players’ on court. Despite the obstructions, Clark has went on to embrace her position.