"Gabby Thomas doing what WNBA refuse to do";"Take your advice"-Fans give mixed reactions as Olympian slams Riley Gaines over Caitlin Clark controversy

Fans online expressed mixed reactions as Gabby Thomas slammed former swimmer Riley Gaines for criticizing Caitlin Clark. While Gaines claims to be a fan of the WNBA Rookie of the Year, the two-time SEC champion opined that Clark should have remained neutral and not acted as a 'right-wing' hero during her Time magazine interview.

The Indiana Fever guard was named the publication's Athlete of The Year following a record-breaking season in the WNBA. In an interview with the magazine afterward, the 22-year-old claimed there was an element of white privilege in her popularity, irking many including Gaines, who wrote on X:

"No one was asking for Caitlin Clark to position herself as a right-wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She’s a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play & achieve, so I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one."

Thomas, a three-time Olympic champion, didn't agree with the former swimmer and asked her not to share her opinions on everything.

"Girl are you fr??? You don’t have to share your opinion on everything, just sit this one out," she said.

However, a large section of fans alleged the Olympian was curbing Gaines' right to free speech.

"Pretty sure the whole point of the First Amendment is letting people speak freely about anything they want. Perhaps you should sit this one out," a user wrote.

"I think you should take your own advice and sit this one out," another user wrote.

"Funny how women are told to stay quiet unless they're parroting left-wing talking points," another user wrote.

Several fans also supported Thomas and claimed Gaines deserved it.

"Thank you Gabby, the lady is just try to play ball. This is absolutely crazy," a user commented.

"Gabby Thomas out here doing what wnba players + media refuse to do lmfaooooooooo you can’t make this up," a fan commented.

"An Olympic gold medalist telling a 5th place finisher in some random ass race to shut the fuck up. Poetry," another fan wrote.

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Gabby Thomas makes her feelings known on Caitlin Clark's 'white privilege' comment

The Olympic Games-Gabby Thomas in action - Source: Getty

Gabby Thomas believes Caitlin Clark shouldn't have to apologize for acknowledging the role of color in her stardom and the role of people of color in uplifting the WNBA. She wrote on X:

"First of all she doesn’t “have” to do anything. The same way she doesn’t “have” to remain neutral. I didn’t say anything when she was neutral tbh, and I’m not going to criticize her now either but to ignore race dynamics in sport is just….sigh."

Thomas enjoyed phenomenal success in her 2024 season, winning three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics in women's 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay. The 27-year-old has kicked off preparations for 2025 as she looks to win the 200m title at the World Championships.