WNBA fans criticize Caitlin Clark for not taking strong racial stance in TIME interview: "She's a sellout"

While Caitlin Clark's TIME Magazine Athlete of the Year article highlighted the importance of uplifting black women, specifically those who were instrumental in making the WNBA what it is today, some fans don't think it was enough.

After the WNBA star was named TIME's Athlete of the Year, much of the talk surrounding the news centered around the historic precedence set by Clark becoming the first WNBA player to win the award.

Despite that, some fans have suggested that the Fever star should have taken a stronger stance against racism during the interview.

Throughout the 2024 WNBA season, there was tons of talk surrounding the racism that players like Angel Reese experienced, in some cases, at the hands of fans claiming to be Caitlin Clark supporters.

The Rookie of the Year condemned racist behavior from fans in September, saying that those who are attacking players aren't fans but trolls. Now, in her TIME interview, Clark spoke about the importance of uplifting black women. However, some fans weren't satisfied.

In response to the interview, critics took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to question why Clark didn't take a stronger stance against racism:

"She’s a sellout who bent the knee and insults the white women who also helped build the league. this is not a zero sum game, many great white & black players helped build the league." - One wrote.

"Not moved by her interview. she had all the time in the world to say something more firm and concrete call me when she takes a proper stance." - Another added.

"Actions speak louder than words. If she truly was an ally she would have refused this cover shoot and acknowledged who was deserving. She's privileged and she's showing how she's honored to be privileged. Her words are just words her actions tell and say a different story." - One added

While many fans defended Caitlin Clark, others kept the criticism coming.

"I don’t like how she’s still beating the bush. I won’t be moved until she directly herself says out of her mouth stop the racism. The reporters and other players having to speak for her." - One wrote

"Coming and talk 7mo after everyone been dragged thru hell is not commendable at all." - Another added, wondering why Clark didn't speak up sooner

"Not moved at all." - One added.

"The more we can elevate black women, that's going to be a beautiful thing," - Caitlin Clark discusses her privilege while discussing players who built the WNBA

Caitlin Clark at a WNBA pre-game conference for Indiana Fever. (Credits: Getty)

Throughout the 2024 WNBA season there was plenty of talk surrounding race. While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese battled it out for the Rookie of the Year award, players throughout the league dealt with racism.

In June, Caitlin Clark called out individuals pretending to be her fans while criticizing fellow players, stating that her name shouldn't be exploited for personal agendas.

After the Fever were eliminated from the WNBA Playoffs in September, she doubled down, saying that viewers attacking players aren't fans; they are trolls.

This week, Clark again spoke about race, saying she is privileged to an extent and wants to highlight players who built up the WNBA.

“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege," Clark said. "A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.”

“The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”

From the sounds of things, despite Caitlin Clark repeatedly condemning viewers who verbally attack players and her latest comments, some fans still want her to take a stronger stance against racism.