Caitlin Clark Condemns Racial Hate Kelsey Mitchell Received: “That’s Not Something I Stand For”

Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell managed to produce the best performance from any backcourt duo in WNBA history. Naturally, that would indicate that they should try to continue deploying them as the team’s primary scoring option.

Aliyah Boston also comes into the fray, as the Fever’s Big 3 were touted as a core that could lead them to titles. That may not have happened this year. But trust the coaches to figure out how to help them continue building on their current accomplishments.

But before they get to that, Mitchell’s future is still a major topic of discussion. The superstar guard signed to a one-year supermax deal this past offseason. That means she is an unrestricted free agent heading into next season.

Once the veteran revealed that she would be ‘selfish’ for herself and her family in the offseason, many fans felt it was an indication that the four-time All-Star could leave in free agency.

The 30-year-old received a lot of backlash on social media. But even before she did, the Ohio State alum revealed in that exit interview that she has been receiving such messages frequently. That led reporters to ask Caitlin Clark about it.

I think as far as people who have used me to, you know, demonstrate racist rhetoric or hate or discrimination, that’s not something I stand for. It’s never been something I’ve stood for.

Caitlin Clark said

The 24-year-old made it clear that she does not appreciate all the racially motivated hatred Kelsey Mitchell or any of her teammates have been receiving. The Iowa native has denounced this in the past, and continues to do so every opportunity she gets.

Caitlin Clark reiterates her desire to continue playing with Kelsey Mitchell

Aside from the questions about what Kelsey Mitchell has faced, reporters at the special Indiana Fever exit interview scheduled just for Caitlin Clark asked the latter what she had to say about her backcourt mate possibly leaving in free agency.

She knows how much I love her… There’s nobody I would want to share the backcourt with other than her.

Clark replied

This was her clearest statement that the Hawkeyes great wants to continue with her veteran for as long as it is possible. Mitchell knows that she might not have long in the league, as injuries generally tend to make it difficult for players in their 30s.

But until that happens, Caitlin Clark hopes to share the backcourt with someone with whom she set a WNBA record. For the Fever, this brings complications since Kelsey Mitchell might want to continue playing on the Supermax she has rightfully earned. But Clark is eligible for a massive raise next season.

Caitlin Clark willing to sacrifice millions to win

Under the WNBA’s new EPIC rules, a rookie is eligible to get a substantial raise in their next contract. Aliyah Boston was the first beneficiary of it, after she signed the richest contract in league history.

Caitlin Clark is also eligible to sign one next season, where her salary could reach $1.3 million. Anyone who has followed the WNBA’s growth knows that she is the primary reason for this surge. Therefore, she deserves the most money on offer.

I certainly know what I deserve and what I’m worth. But at the same time, sometimes you have to make sacrifices.

Clark told reporters

The three-time All-Star reiterated that her goal is to win. Therefore, she gave the biggest indication that if the Fever are to bring back Mitchell on a Supermax and add other pieces with whom they can win, Clark is willing to sacrifice her salary to make it happen.

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