It’s hard to get a real answer as to whether Kaitlin Clark is actually hated throughout the WNBA.
The debate raged — prominent figures in the league saying that couldn’t be further from the truth, while those outside thought her facts were obvious.
Geno Auriemma, who coached Clark during her time in the NCAA, including to this year’s Final Four, said that while some of the issues Clark faced were actually rookie bullying, she was also “targeted.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Caitlin Clark speaks with Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma ahead of the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)
“Every rookie has to go through the growing pains of being a professional basketball player,” Auriemma told CT Insider. “The more attention you get, and attention is No. 1 in the world today, attention brings money. So does she face rookie challenges, the inherent difficulties of a rookie? Yes. She’s also been targeted.”
Simply put, Auriemma is in the camp of Charles Barkley and LeBron James — the envy of other WNBA players.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second quarter against the Chicago Sky at Gambridge Arena on June 1, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana ) in a game. (Andy Lyon/Getty Images)
Chicago fans give Cheney Carter standing ovation in first game since foul on Kaitlin Clark
“I don’t remember when (Michael) Jordan came into the league and people wanted to go out and beat him. I don’t remember when (Larry) Bird and Magic (Johnson) came into the league and elevated the NBA, I don’t remember them just because They were targeted and beaten because of their identity and the attention we received,” Auriemma said.
“I never heard one of them say, ‘Hey, why didn’t you do this when we played?’ Because no one felt like now was the time, and I should have figured it out a long time ago that it wasn’t her fault because Would you trade places with her for what she got?
Chenedy Carter, who flagrantly fouled Clark last weekend, lambasted Clark on social media, saying she wasn’t a star without three-pointers. Angel Reese also seemed to tear her apart last week, but her mother claims that’s not the case.
Barkley called the WNBA veteran’s opinion of Clark “petty,” while James said Clark should be “celebrated.”
“This should be cause for celebration, and it’s because of Kaitlin Clark. Don’t get it twisted. Don’t screw it up. Kaitlin Clark is the reason a lot of great things happen in the WNBA,” James said.
Kate No. 22 of the Indiana Fever during a game against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 30, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Caitlin Clark responded in the second half. (Andy Lyon/Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Clark played 11 games this season, averaging 15.4 points, 6.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 35.7% from the field (29.7% from three-point range).
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Gathering Newsletter.
