Caitlin Clark: Shaquille O’Neal accuses WNBA stars of ‘professional jealousy’ towards Indiana Fever rookie
Caitlin Clark is the victim of “professional jealousy” in her debut WNBA season, according to Shaquille O’Neal.
Clark, who was selected by the Indiana Fever with the first overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, has had a challenging start to life in the major leagues following her historic college career at Iowa.
The Fever rookie not only lost ten of her first thirteen matches, but was also brutally treated on the pitch by rival players. Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter sparked outrage by bodychecking her earlier this month.
The shocking moment has even sparked a debate about race and sexuality, with late night talk show host Bill Maher recently claiming that she is only being targeted by WNBA rivals because she is white and heterosexual.
Caitlin Clark is the victim of ‘professional jealousy’ in her debut WNBA season, according to Shaquille O’Neal
And amid the controversy, O’Neal has spoken out about Clark and why detractors are nipping at her heels.
“So I think people get angry because as a player you don’t want to be forgotten,” he continued ‘The big podcast with Shaq’.
“You know what I call it, I call it stealing props. It’s professional jealousy.
“I just think people shouldn’t just focus on her anymore because she’s a great player, but don’t forget the beautiful Cardoso and my girl Angel.”
Clark is focusing more attention on women’s basketball than ever before, and her record-breaking success in college makes her the WNBA’s biggest attraction upon arrival.
The 22-year-old’s Indiana debut broke ESPN viewership records last month, while the WNBA as a whole enjoyed record attendance in May, thanks in large part to her impact on the sport.
Clark was brutally treated on the court during her debut WNBA campaign
O’Neal believes the likes of Kamilla Cardoso (left) and Angel Reese (right) should be given the same level of coverage in the WNBA
However, O’Neal is wary of Clark dominating the spotlight and highlighted the star quality of other players in the league.
“Let’s make something clear: one person can have all the props, but it’s never one person,” he added.
“Don’t tell me we’re getting new sponsorship because of Caitlin. No… what about Angel [Reese]what about [Kamilla] Cardoso? What about my favorite, Kelsey Plum?”