"You screwed up, plain and simple": WNBA fans fume as Carolyn Peck releases clarification after sparking controversy using Caitlin Clark's name

Carolyn Peck recently found herself at the center of controversy after making a bold on-air statement about Caitlin Clark. The ESPN analyst stirred backlash by suggesting that the Indiana Fever are "more dangerous" with Clark sidelined due to a groin injury.

Following the widespread criticism, Peck addressed the backlash on Sunday by posting a clarification on X (formerly Twitter). In a series of tweets, she appeared to walk back her earlier remarks, emphasizing that the entire Fever roster deserves respect and recognition for their contributions.

CAROLYN PECK

@CAROLYNPECK

LINK

I did not say Caitlin Clark is not Valuable . She’s a-great player. For those who only see Caitlin, I was complimenting the rest of the team. The Fever have several weapons. Yes, they lost last night. They have lost games w her. RESPECT to the WHOLE

@IndianaFever team.

As a coach, if you have ever prepared a scouting report? Scout the Fever w &w/out Caitlin. What do you have to take away in both scenarios? They are different. One is not easier than the other, just different. There is a lot of talent on that team.

Social media erupted after Carolyn Peck's tweet, with fans calling her out for being “disingenuous” and accusing her of backtracking on her original statement. Many didn’t hold back, slamming the analyst for attempting to soften her stance after facing intense backlash.

"You screwed up, plain and simple Carolyn!" a fan said.

Momma Savage

@Savage8243

LINK

You screwed up, plain and simple Carolyn!

Another fan said:

Caitlin Clark By The Numbers

@CCByTheNumbers

LINK

WNBA, the place for hate and dishonesty

A user wrote:

C

@C038254

LINK

Oh please, this is so disingenuous. You said they were more dangerous WITHOUT Caitlin, how respectful is that?

Another user wrote:

Doc Gray

@DocGrayToo

LINK

but you did dismiss her in comparison to the rest of the team, in essence, she isn't as good as the rest. Try again but your #haterlogic is obvious!

A fan commented:

Stevemd

@showbizkid12

LINK

Fever had been on the bottom for a lot of years till one C Clark came along. Without her they return to the bottom.

Another commented:

Kim Casem

@KimmmBrulee

LINK

You are being disingenuous now

Why did Carolyn Peck say Indiana Fever are more dangerous without Caitlin Clark?

During her controversial take suggesting the Indiana Fever are more dangerous without Caitlin Clark, ESPN analyst Carolyn Peck pointed to Clark's defensive struggles and ball-dominant style as the key reasons behind her argument.

Statistically, the Fever have gone 4-5 without Clark and 5-4 with her on the floor this season. While it’s true that other players have stepped up admirably in her absence to keep the team afloat, suggesting the Fever are better off without a generational talent like Clark is a tough claim to justify.

Meanwhile, Clark continues her recovery and is inching closer to a return. She’s been participating in individual shooting drills but has yet to be medically cleared for full-contact practice. It remains uncertain whether the two-time All-Star will make her much-anticipated return in the Fever’s upcoming clash against the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday.