As the year nears its end, criticism toward Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to linger. Clark was recently named Athlete of the Year by Time Magazine, a recognition that drew backlash from Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who suggested race played a role in Clark receiving the honor. Johnson argued that the entire WNBA should have been featured instead.
Her remarks quickly sparked outrage, with fans and fellow athletes rallying to Clark’s defense. Former NBA champion Matt Barnes also weighed in, condemning Clark’s critics and emphasizing her significant influence on the WNBA. He acknowledged the challenges Clark faces as a national sensation.
“She’s damned if she does and she’s damned if she doesn’t,” Barnes said on the All the Smoke podcast.
Amid Johnson’s controversial comments, the 44-year-old Barnes praised Clark as the WNBA’s “golden goose.”
“While the NBA ratings continue to drop over 30% as they try to figure out who’s going to fill the shoes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, the WNBA has a golden goose sitting in their league,” said Barnes, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
He acknowledged that Clark isn’t solely responsible for the WNBA’s rising prominence, highlighting Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson as the league’s best player. However, he maintained that the 22-year-old Clark has brought “a ton of opportunity and more money” to the WNBA than any other player.
“So instead of downplaying the magnitude of who she is and what she’s brought, enjoy the ride and take advantage of the ride and do everything you can do to show the fanbase why they should’ve been watching before Caitlin came along,” Barnes concluded.
