OutKick host Dan Dakich has criticized the WNBA and media coverage surrounding star player Caitlin Clark, asserting that the league is not adequately capitalizing on her popularity due to internal issues.
Dakich stated that "petty jealousies, racism, and sexism" are contributing to negative narratives and a lack of sufficient support for the 24-year-old athlete. He argues that these factors hinder both Clark's experience and the potential growth of the sport.
During a recent game where the Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, Clark scored 37 points and recorded 10 assists, making 8 of 12 three-point attempts. Despite such performances, Dakich suggested that Clark is not receiving the recognition he believes she deserves, referring to her as "easily the best player in the league" and implying she would not be awarded MVP.
A photo circulating after the game showed significant marks on Clark's arm, which Dakich presented as evidence of the intense physical play she endures on the court. He acknowledged that basketball is a physical sport, drawing parallels to the physicality of past NBA eras, but emphasized that the context surrounding Clark's treatment, including what appear to be fingernail marks, warrants attention.
This season has seen multiple instances of aggressive play directed at Clark. She was involved in an incident with Alyssa Thomas earlier in the summer, and there was a confrontation with Paige Bueckers. The source notes that Sophie Cunningham had previously been labeled Clark's "enforcer" for defending her.
Commentators like Charles Barkley have also weighed in, suggesting that some players in the league harbor negative feelings toward Clark and Cunningham. Dakich views the physical evidence from the recent game as further support for this narrative.