Caitlin Clark Explains Her Sideline Outbursts After Facing Backlash: “It’s Not Always Going to be Pretty”

Social media narratives painted Caitlin Clark as losing control of her emotions after her altercation with head coach Stephenie White.

Caitlin Clark Explains Her Sideline Outbursts After Facing Backlash: “It’s Not Always Going to be Pretty”

Caitlin Clark came under fire for her on-court actions (Image via FirstSportz)

It has been a few days since Caitlin Clark last played basketball. After that game against the Portland Fire, the barbarians were at the gates, asking questions about her demeanor and that of her team.

That loss to the Fire was their second straight one, after a close battle against the Golden State Valkyries on the road. Even though these are early days, that loss to the Valks led many to believe the team was not clicking on all cylinders.

That observation showed its ugly side when the newest expansion team, the Fire, ran rampant with players who were essentially a bunch of role players up until last season.

In that game, a heated moment between Caitlin Clark and head coach Stephanie White instantly became the hottest topic of discussion. On the one hand, there were those who felt that the coach, by benching her most important player, had proved she had lost the plot.

Rumors started to fly that the Fever had fired her. Eventually, the two made it clear to the media that it was just a heat-of-the-moment altercation. Even then, reporters do not stop asking them about it whenever possible.

I’m competitive, and I have an edge… that’s what makes me great. But sometimes it’s not something you always love too… But at the same time, that competitive fire and that drive and that passion, that joy, and that edge, that’s what people come to watch. It’s what they love. It’s not always going to be pretty.

Caitlin Clark said

This was the 24-year-old’s response when asked whether she was working towards improving her on-court behavior. It seems she is very clear that her swagger and on-court demeanor are what fans want to see.

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Caitlin Clark reiterates competitiveness does not equate to a bad personality

After detailing how her competitiveness is a part of what makes her special on the court, Caitlin Clark then went on to talk about how the league’s best players have always channeled their fiery side into their game.

Caitlin Clark plays with an attitude
Caitlin Clark plays with an attitude (Image via Lucina M/X)

They’re fierce. They’re fiery, they’re competitive. Sometimes they cross the line. That doesn’t make you a bad person, doesn’t make you a bad teammate. You go back, you reflect, you take accountability. You find ways to channel that and use that to motivate your team, motivate yourself.

Caitlin Clark said

The point guard made it clear that just because someone plays with fire, it does not mean they are a bad person. Sure, the player in question should go back, reflect on their actions, and work on improving themselves.

Clark revealed she was doing the same after her outburst against her head coach became a matter of public opinion. However, she also made it clear that channeling it properly is what elevates her and her teammates.

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People called to ask Caitlin Clark if she was alright

While Caitlin Clark is trying her best to explain that competitiveness and character are two different things, she revealed that people in her circle started asking her whether she was alright.

A lot of people have called and asked how I am. I said what do you mean? I’m great!

Caitlin Clark said

The two-time All-Star went on to say that she does not follow the narratives on social media. But it seems they have been affecting the people close to her, which is why she started getting those calls.

Clark pointed out that she knows how stories on social media die down after a couple of days at most. That is why she stays away from that and does not listen to anyone other than her teammates, her team, her family, and close friends.

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