With Caitlin Clark‘s emergence, the entire attention shifted to the current WNBA season and the teams for the first time matched the dunks of their male counterparts by getting a chartered flight to avoid long queues and travel safely. As much as Clark is being credited for the radical changes, the former NCAA Queen is also being criticized for a poor display.

The NBA legend Charles Barkley in a recent TNT’s Inside the NBA broadcast called out Clark’s critics. He stated that the behavior of some of the WNBA players was “petty” and instead, they should be thanking Clark. Though he didn’t mention names he sure agreed with another NBA legend LeBron James that Clark had taken women’s sports to new heights.

“You woman out there, y’all petty, man… Y’all should be thanking [Caitlin Clark] for getting y’all a*s private charters. All the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA,” Barkley stated.

Now another Chicago Sky veteran has expressed her opinion on the issue and blasted Barkley for taking a dig at WNBA athletes. Brianna Turner also questioned the panel that comprised Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Draymond Green, and Kenny Smith for keeping mum during Barkley’s comments.

“The silence was loud. Proximity to women’s sports does not make someone an ally of women’s sports. Idc how many court side seats or orange hoodies are worn,” Turner stated.

Turner while taking a dig at Barkley retweeted Warriors reporter Zena Keita who had also questioned the role of the other four meant involved in the chat show.

“I just want to know why NONE of the men on that broadcast felt the need to correct Charles. They LOVE arguing about everything else, but they all sat there, letting him spew nonsense and said nothing to counter his statement. I’m genuinely curious why they wouldn’t check him,” Keita slammed the four men. Meanwhile, James Sr. had also spoken in support of Clark.

LeBron James goes vocal for Caitlin Clark

James was present during the latest episode of “Mind The Game” with J.J. Redick. James blasted her critics and advised her to keep her head high. He also overtly stated that Clark had been a breath of fresh air for the WNBA and it was due to her that the women’s sport had grown so much. To which there is no denying that after Clark’s emergence, the ticket sales have also gone up. The New Liberty game against the Indiana Fever recorded over $2 million in revenue.

“Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are gonna happen for the WNBA. But for her individually, I don’t think she should get involved on [anything] that’s being said, just go have fun, enjoy. I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before, I’ve walked that road before,” James enunciated.

While there is no denying that Clark has been a target due to her popularity, there is still a divided opinion on whether other women basketball players are hating on her. What do you think? Is Turner correct in blasting Barkley? Or did Barkley do the right thing when he took a dig at WNBA athletes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.