Caitlin Clark: A comprehensive look at WNBA's jealousy problem after controversial foul

Everything you need to know about Caitlin Clark jealousy controversy in the WNBA

During the Indiana Fever's thrilling victory on Saturday, June 1, Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter hard-fouled Caitlin Clark, causing a stir in the sports world. While fouls are part of the game and best dealt with oncourt decisions, this particular incident has sparked an intense debate. Clark's impact on the game has been different, leading many to believe that certain WNBA players are jealous of her. Let's explore what has been happening in the Caitlin Clark Effect's newest and most contentious chapter.

1. Caitlin Clark gained attention during 2023 Women's March Madness

Since entering the Iowa University women's collegiate basketball scene in 2020, Clark has become a household name. However, it was during the 2023 Women's March Madness tournament that she began to garner media attention as she guided Iowa to a championship berth. Fans found it thrilling to watch her long-range shooting, so much so that people who had doubts or disliked women's basketball completely changed their minds after witnessing her skill.

2. Angel Reese threw gestures toward Caitlin Clark during 2023 NCAA National Championship Game

Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers defeated Clark and Iowa in the 2023 NCAA National Championship Game. Reese directed some of her gestures at Clark, such as indicating with her ring finger and pulling out the now-famous "You Can't See Me" gesture from earlier in the competition. After that, Clark noted that although she didn't think Reese ought to face criticism for the gesture, it still caused a social media frenzy.

3. Angel Reese fumes at attention Caitlin Clark receives in the WNBA

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese wants her name to be respected. She believes that she, and not simply Caitlin Clark, should be given credit for popularizing the WNBA in the modern era. Reese declared following practice on Monday, "It all started from the national championship game." She added, "I've been dealing with this for two years now." Reese clarified that she is fine with being the "bad guy" forever, per TMZ. Reese added, "It's not just because of one person. It's because of me too and I want you to realize that. It's not just because of one person."

4. Breanna Stewart offers Caitlin Clark wise advice amid brutal rookie year

Breanna Stewart, two-time WNBA MVP and four-time National Championships winner with UConn, asserted that a National Championship is required to be regarded as one of the greatest. The New York Liberty star, a former first overall pick herself, gave Clark some insightful advice: "Understanding how to navigate [losing] and instead of just being completely frustrated, taking whatever I can and learning from it, and just being in the gym."

5. Diana Taurasi asserted 'reality is coming' for Caitlin Clark

Legendary WNBA player Diana Taurasi forewarned Clark that success in the game would not come easily, unlike in college. Following the Hawkeyes' victory over the Huskies in the tournament, she stated on ESPN, per Fox News, "Reality is coming." Taurasi said, "You look superhuman playing against some 18-year-olds, but you're going to come play with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time. There is going to be a transition period where you're going to have to give yourself some grace as a rookie."

6. Sheryl Swoopes' statement for Caitlin Clark

WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes stated that Clark would never be able to enter the league and continue to perform as well as she has been, even though she was lighting up the stat sheet. "So, will Caitlin Clark be a good pro? Absolutely. Will Caitlin Clark come into the WNBA and do what she’s doing right now, immediately? Absolutely not. Not going to happen," Swoopes remarked in January. Later, Swoopes appreciated Clark's achievements.

7. Chennedy Carter and WNBA players allegedly 'resent' Caitlin Clark

Following Chennedy Carter's hard foul on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Stephen A Smith of ESPN provided his analysis on the hot topic in sports. Smith claimed that some WNBA players are jealous of the attention that Clark has received, even before her league debut. Smith said, per Daily Mail, "There are girls – young ladies – in the WNBA who are jealous of Caitlin Clark. She is a White girl that has come into the league."

8. Chennedy Carter hip-checks Caitlin Clark in third quarter of Fever win

Everything culminated on Saturday, June 1, when Clark faced Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky in their first head-to-head match. Veteran guard Chennedy Carter of the Sky hip-checked Clark during the third quarter of the Sky’s 71-70 loss. Many people shared this footage on social media as evidence of the abuse Clark was subjected to at the hands of more experienced players. The foul was subsequently upgraded to a flagrant-1 violation.