Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is no stranger to controversy, especially now that she’s hooping as a professional baller for the WNBA. The most recent one, though, involved her, sports analyst Pat McAfee, and his apology after a powerful message gone wrong.
Ever since the Fever star made her professional debut, Clark has been a large draw whenever she plays a game at home or on the road. Due to the hype, Indiana’s front office made the decision to provide her and the team with chartered flights, which led to the provision of this benefit to every team and their players.

However, the interest Clark generated for the league hasn’t translated to wins for her and the Fever. Moreover, the rookie has been targeted by certain players off and on the court as response to her increasing fame.
The increase in animosity has prompted several individuals to come in and defend Clark. Some of these include NBA legend Charles Barkley and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James when they sided with the Fever guard amidst all the hate she has been getting.
Pat McAfee Apologizes to WNBA Star Caitlin Clark After Controversial Message

Like James and Barkley before him, McAfee shared his thoughts on all the criticism Clark has been getting. His controversial remark occurred in a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
“I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class’. Nah, just call it for what it is — there’s one white bitch for the Indiana team who is a superstar. What the WNBA currently has is what we like to describe as a cash cow.
There is a superstar. And we’re not saying that the players on the court need to act any differently. That’s the athletes are going to do what the athletes are going to do in any sport. I think we’re all learning, that the WNBA … that’s old-school football, baby.” McAfee said.
Although his opinion was meant to support Clark, the opposite happened due to the backlash McAfee’s use of a certain term generated. As a result, the former football star issued an apology posted on his official X account.
“I shouldn’t have used “white bitch” as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark. No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening.. I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe.
My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize… I have sent an apology to Caitlin as well. Everything else I said… still alllllll facts. #Journalism #WNBAProgrum #SheIsTheOne,” McAfee tweeted.
As it stands, Clark has only played 11 games in the league since making her debut around a month ago. During that period, she averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.

It remains to be seen whether the hate for her will persist or eventually die down. In any case, McAfee’s move proved to be a classy one in a situation that’s getting uglier by the day.

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