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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has once again made waves in the WNBA, but this time for all the wrong reasons. His expression of outrage on social media after a hard screen by the New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark sparked a wave of online criticism.
One fan trolled Portnoy for his response:
"My guy is a 50 yr old Caitlin Clark fan boy it’s gross lol."
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"And you’re a ~35 year old, loser father," another fan tweeted.
During Saturday's game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Stewart set a strong screen on Clark, sending the young Fever guard to the floor. While the play was deemed legal by the referees, Portnoy took offense and tweeted:
Some felt his reaction was excessive and overprotective of Clark, pointing out that she's now a professional player.
"That's literally a textbook screen. She just ran right into it. Her teammates should've called it out and she should've been looking for it," one fan wrote.
"This is an adult league. She needs to earn her respect like everyone else. (And she will.)," another wrote.
"Nigga got no shame," one fan tweeted.
Fans also pointed out that Portnoy's tweets used a tone not typically seen when a similar play happens to male NBA players.
"would you rather him be a lebron stan or does it only feel gross to you because she’s a woman lol," @supervillian tweeted.
The WNBA thrives on passionate fans, and Portnoy undoubtedly fits that description. However, a more balanced approach from Portnoy, one that respects the physicality of the game, would likely be met more positively by fans.
Caitlin Clark's performance against New York Liberty
Caitlin Clark and the visiting Indiana Fever (0-3) faced a formidable challenge in the powerhouse New York Liberty (3-0) on Saturday and fell 91-80. However, the rookie sensation delivered a solid performance.
Clark finished with a team-high 22 points, shooting 52.9% (9 of 17). Displaying her signature fearlessness from beyond the arc, she went 4 of 10. Her performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game for the Fever.
Clark's also involved her teammates by dishing out eight assists and grabbed six rebounds, showcasing her all-around contribution.
Despite the loss, Clark's performance offered a glimpse of a bright future for the Indiana Fever. Se has the potential to be a cornerstone player for the franchise for years to come.
