“Weird culture war…” Nick Wright weighs in as Caitlin Clark’s race becomes topic of debate in WNBA

Wright's comments come after Sunny Hostin claimed that Clark is more relatable due to her race and sexual preference.

“Weird culture war…” Nick Wright weighs in as Caitlin Clark’s race becomes topic of debate in WNBA

Caitlin Clark's turnover rate might not be her fault after all

Caitlin Clark had generated buzz even before her WNBA debut, with some comments being negative and some focused on her race. Nick Wright of FS1 addressed these comments on First Thing First, where he expressed disappointment that the conversation has turned divisive.

Wright acknowledged that Clark’s marketability may be enhanced by her being a white athlete, but he strongly disagreed with the notion that she’s only being elevated due to her race. He emphasized that Caitlin Clark has excelled at every level and has played exceptionally well compared to other rookies.

It has really, really b*mmed me out that the Caitlin Clark commentary has spilled over into the 'more divisive than sports' piece of it... It is such a bummer that LeBron supports her and people are like, 'Where was this for the Black female basketball players?' By the way, he did that as well. A lot of that is a bummer because this is a sport that a lot of people cared massively about, and now more people are starting to pay attention to. It's turned into some weird culture war stuff.
Nick Wright said

Wright also talked about LeBron James’ comments where he supported Clark, which some people saw as hypocritical due to a perceived lack of support for black female basketball players. Wright pointed out that James has indeed shown support for Black players in the past, and the conversation shouldn’t be turned into a “culture war” between white and black players.

FS Video

Wright’s comments come after Sunny Hostin claimed that Clark is more relatable due to her race and sexual preference, which sparked an unnecessary conversation. Wright shut down these comments, as he emphasized that sports should unite people, not create divisions as he encouraged people to focus on Clark’s exceptional skills and achievements rather than her race or personal life.

LeBron James rooting for Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark has faced challenges as her team, the Indiana Fever, has struggled with a 0-5 record. She leads her team in statistical categories, but also turnovers.

LeBron James, who has experienced similar pressure as a rookie, offered advice to Clark. He encouraged her to focus on her craft, learn from veterans, and ignore criticism. James praised Clark for bringing attention to the WNBA and expressed his support for her.

My advice to Caitlin, and my advice to anyone that comes in with this level of notoriety, out-of-this-world expectation, whatever the case may be, be a horse, man. The Kentucky Derby. Put your blinders on, go to work, show up to work, punch your clock in, prepare yourself, work on your game, work on your craft. Kind of keep your mouth shut and just learn from the vets. When they ask, voice your opinion if they want your opinion early on because everybody is looking for you to say anything and they're gonna splice it and cut it and make it a negative thing.
LeBron James said on Mind the Game podcast

James drew parallels to the criticism his son, Bronny, is facing as he attempts to enter the NBA. He emphasized ignoring the haters and staying focused on goals. 

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