"She’s a race peddler" - Analyst slams A'ja Wilson for 'hurting the cause' as WNBA's best player

A'ja Wilson was dragged into the conversation between Jason Whitlock and Steve Kim in the latest episode of “Fearless.” The discussion started with Whitlock saying that Sabrina Ionescu has become a “white problem” following her Game 3 logo 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces. According to him, that moment would be the biggest highlight in the WNBA season outside of Caitlin Clark’s exploits.

Kim, the show’s co-host, included Wilson in the talks to concentrate on the racial issues surrounding the WNBA. Here’s what he had to say about the reigning MVP:

“But, Jason [Whitlock], you know what I’ve really learned as I’ve delved deeper into this and I get to know her more from a peripheral standpoint? … She is more and more unlikeable. She’s abrasive. She’s a race peddler and she actually hurts the cause as the best player in the league.”

The “race peddler” comment came after a clip of Wilson telling Aces teammate Kelsey Plum about “white privilege” went viral. The three-time MVP likened Plum’s situation to UConn’s Paige Bueckers. According to Wilson, some white basketball players know their privilege, and that has gotten them to “over the top.”

A'ja Wilson’s comments received a ton of flak. Many on social media pointed out that she went to Heathwood Hall Episcopal. The private school reportedly charges over $20K a year in tuition fees. Meanwhile, Bueckers went to Hopkins High School, a public school in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Steve Kim emphasized that Wilson is the best player in the WNBA but her status might hurt the league because of her alleged racist comments.

---

A'ja Wilson claimed Caitlin Clark’s popularity is race-driven

Caitlin Clark’s popularity set the WNBA on fire. She was the major attraction in the 2024 draft, getting the most views in the event’s history. Before she played her first pro game, she signed a shoe deal with Nike and Wilson, the brand that produces game balls.

A'ja Wilson, in a chat with AP, was asked to comment if race had something to do with Clark’s mind-boggling popularity. Wilson did not hold back in the interview:

“I think it’s a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and white, but to me, it is.

“They don’t see it as marketable, so it doesn’t matter how hard I work. It doesn’t matter what we all do as Black women, we’re still going to be swept underneath the rug. That’s why it boils my blood when people say it’s not about race because it is.”

Steve Kim and Jason Whitlock emphatically disagreed with A'ja Wilson's comments.