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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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Caitlin Clark continues to make headlines at the professional level, as the star Indiana Fever rookie secured her first big WNBA award, netting a Rookie of the Month nod for May. However, not all the headlines have focused on her performance. A controversial game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky on June 1 have spawned takes from all corners of the internet.
Read more: Caitlin Clark News: Chennedy Carter Rips Guard's Skillset Following On-Court Incident
Clark was shoulder-checked by Sky guard Chennedy Carter, which led to Carter speaking to reporters and stating she would not answer questions about the situation. Carter would take to social media and trash-talk Clark there, stating her three-pointers were all she brings to the WNBA. Carter has since deleted the post on her Threads account.
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Fellow Sky player and NCAA star Angel Reese also made herself unavailable after the loss, resulting in fines for both her and her team for not adhering to media policies. The Sky also continued to make headlines when players posted on social media about someone with a camera harassing Carter outside of their hotel.
The entire situation has been building for a week, and now Clark has spoken up about the event to reporters. Initially, Clark stated that she understood the game would be physical at the professional level when Carter checked her, but the narrative surrounding the event has led to people claiming Clark is being targeted.
Clark spoke to USA Today columnist Christine Brennan about the incident at the Sky game and the resulting narratives that have been attached to them. Clark stated, "I'm not on social media, so I don't see a lot of it, but you would be surprised. I still have my TV on at my house, and I'm watching sports. You're still aware of it and you still see it."
Even with Clark not paying attention to social media, multiple outlets have spoken in depth about the Carter situation, and what has transpired since then. Clark then reveals she wishes the focus would be on basketball regarding conversations about her or the WNBA.
"Other than that, my focus is basketball. Sometimes it stinks how much the conversation is outside of basketball and not the product on the floor, the amazing players on the floor, and how good they are for their teams. And how great this season has been for women's basketball going from college to the WNBA. Some of the crowds are unprecedented and have never been seen before. The viewership is amazing. But yeah, I just try to block it out."
It's a lot to block out. Clark's name has been mentioned in practically every conversation about the WNBA. Her impact on the sport is very real.
Clark is singularly responsible for several sold-out crowds. Many teams have opted to move into bigger stadiums when the Fever came into town to ensure enough space was available to fans. She also signed a $28 million deal with Nike, including a signature shoe, right after she was drafted first overall by the Fever.
Wilson also made Clark the face of its company, a sponsorship arrangement that hasn't been seen since the days of Michael Jordan. Her star appeal is undeniable, trash talk aside, so Clark will have a difficult time escaping all the outside noise. For now, she appears to be fully locked into helping the Fever secure a winning season and more.
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