Austin Rivers’ demand for WNBA players to stop hating Caitlin Clark leaves them in a bad situation

Caitlin Clark was in the crosshairs of WNBA veterans since she set foot on the professional courts. The number and seriousness of the faults committed by the Indiana fever The guard got fans and analysts to raise their voices in disapproval of the attacks, including former player and analyst Austin Rivers.

Clark was at the heart of the storm even before the 2024 Draft. However, since her first match as a professional, some players with more years of experience seem to have made it their mission to put the rookie in her place. The fouls on the player multiplied, leading to the apparent complacency of the referees. The most recent was a blow to the shoulder which Chennedy Carter gave him Saturday night in the match that the Fever won 71-70 against Chicago Sky. The move sparked a wave of protests from fans, coaches and journalists. Among the latter is Riverswho, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, demanded that gamers stop being jealous of Clark.

The demands of the rivers

“We need to stop the cap and all the hate that some of you women (sic) are putting out. Caitline,” asked the elder Minnesota Timberwolves guard in a video on his account on X.

However, Rivers clarified that everything is not at Clark credit, “But it’s mostly because of her! Please stop the jealousy.” In this sense, he recalled that the WNBA has operated in the red for much of its history, not to mention the lack of recognition from its players.

“And now this woman comes along and brings the world in and now gives you all what you need.attention and respect…And instead of being grateful and acknowledging that, you’re coming at her with these hateful comments,” » declared the former player.

He admitted that other players and coaches can say they helped raise awareness of the WNBA, “but no more than Caitlin Clark“.

Caitlin Clark, the Beyoncé of the WNBA

Rivers went further in his remarks by comparing Clark to music stars who have risen above their parent groups, like Beyonce And Justin Timberlake.

“If you were the girls The child of destinyshe would be Beyonce,” Rivers said. “If all the girls in college sports formed a group and they NSYNCshe would be JJustin Timberlake. She is the main attraction. There’s no ifs or buts about it.” he said.

However, he clarified that the Fever Guard’s career is just beginning and she is still far from entering the list of contenders for the title of the best of all time.

“No one says Caitlin Clark is the greatest basketball player of all time. Nobody says Caitlin Clark is the greatest basketball player, even now, in the WNBA. She’s not in this conversation yet, but she’s got some serious talent.” Rivers said.