From OutKick · Matt Calkins · · 1m 30s
Former ESPN Anchor Smears Caitlin Clark Fans
Former ESPN anchor Cari Champion falsely claims Caitlin Clark fans spread racism.
In brief
Former ESPN anchor Cari Champion falsely claims Caitlin Clark fans spread racism. Cari Champion falsely accused Caitlin Clark's fans of racism, but evidence shows no real-world harassment occurred. Originally reported by OutKick.
Cari Champion's False Claim
Former ESPN anchor Cari Champion falsely claims Caitlin Clark fans spread racism and are MAGA supporters.
“Cari Champion would also like you to know that Clark hasn't done enough to give Black players their respect”
Clark's Fan Base Reality
Clark's fans include top female athletes who won Wooden Awards without selling out arenas.
“Sue Bird, Dianna Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum were all No. 1 overall picks who won the Wooden Award in their final year of college”
Clark's Popularity
Clark set NCAA scoring record while leading country in assists for three straight years.
“Clark didn't rise to fame because she played college basketball unlike any woman who's come before her”
No Real-World Harassment
WNBA found no evidence of Clark fans causing real-world harassment during game reviews.
“After a review involving fans, team and arena staff and audio and video from the game, the WNBA said it could not substantiate the allegation”
Clark's Race and Popularity
Clark's race and sexual orientation don't explain her popularity among fans.
“Clark being the most entertaining women's basketball player in the world is what brought in all those new fans”
Comparison to Other Athletes
Clark's popularity compares to Serena Williams and Simone Biles without racial bias.
“Given how popular athletes such as Serena Williams and Simone Biles were, it seems silly to think Clark wouldn't have achieved the same notoriety if she were Black”
Champion's Racial Claims
Champion claims Clark fans don't accept other players' queerness or blackness.
“She went so far as to say that Clark supporters can't accept other players' queerness or blackness”
No Evidence of Hate
Clark fans have no documented cases of real-world harassment or hate speech.
“But concrete evidence of Clark fans acting in a hateful manner, at least in real time, is severely lacking”
Clark's All-Star Voting
Clark ranked second among fans, third by media, and 11th by players in All-Star voting.
“Caitlin was ranked second among guards by the fans, third by the media....and 11th by the players”
Kelsey Plum's Similar Ranking
Kelsey Plum, also white and straight, ranked sixth among fans, fifth by media, and 12th by players.
“Kelsey Plum, who is also white and straight, finished sixth among fans, fifth among media and 12th among players”
Champion's Projection
Champion's claims likely stem from her own biases rather than Clark's fan base.
“Some might see it as provocation. I can't help but wonder if it's projection”
What it means
Cari Champion falsely accused Caitlin Clark's fans of racism, but evidence shows no real-world harassment occurred.
