Dave Portnoy gives surprise view of Caitlin Clark’s ‘white privilege’ remarks and compares her to Simone Biles

While Dave Portnoy disagreed with Caitlin Clark’s comment about white privilege, the Barstool Sports chief had a unique take on the WNBA star’s recognition.

Earlier this week, the new Indiana Fever sensation was named Time Magazine’s “Athlete of the Year” in honor of her impact on and off the basketball court.

With another award added to her trophy case amid her rising popularity, Clark noted how much she deserved the honor.

However, she also acknowledged that she was a benefactor of white privilege while highlighting the problems the WNBA has faced in its young history.

“I want to say I’ve earned everything, but as a white person I have privilege,” Clark told Time.

“A lot of the players in the league who have been really good have been Black players,” she continued. “This league is kind of built on them.

“The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about it, and then brands and companies can continue to invest in the players who have made this league incredible. I think it’s very important. I have to keep trying to change that. The more we can uplift Black women, that will be a beautiful thing.”

The WNBA star made these comments after being named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year

Portnoy compared Clark to black athletes like Simone Biles and Serena Williams

On Friday, Portnoy joined Stuart Varney about Varney & Co. of Fox Business and was asked about Clark’s statement after receiving the award. In his response, Portnoy drew parallels between Clark and African-American sports icons.

“She was put in a tough situation,” Portnoy said. “She said she deserves it. It has nothing to do with white privilege, but she’s in a competition, and she’s had to deal with every time she’s been successful in the last year, two years, everyone putting her down and saying, ‘Oh, it’s just but because you’re white.’

‘That’s trash. You don’t hear people talking about it. Was Tiger Woods a white privilege? Was Simone Biles white privilege? Was Serena Williams white privilege?”

“What she has with all the athletes, black, white, indifferent, is the most unique talent we have seen in this sport,” he continued. ‘That’s why everyone loves her. It has nothing to do with the color of her skin. I think in many ways she doesn’t want to be the center of this controversy, but every time you mention her name it comes up.

“And I think she was just trying to appease both sides. Personally, I wish she wouldn’t say it, but I certainly understand why she would, and maybe in those shoes, I would too.”

Clark won the award after increasing the popularity of the WNBA. Upon her arrival, the sharpshooter caused a spike in the competition’s viewership and attendance.

Her performances justified the following when she collected an unpresented song and broke standing records.

Before turning pro, Clark built a wide following with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she led the team to back-to-back title games despite losing both. She became the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft and helped the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.

Clark secured Rookie of the Year honors while finishing fourth in the MVP voting.

While her debut season was widely celebrated for her skills, it was not without its challenges, as she regularly found herself at the center of heated culture wars fueled by the media.

Nevertheless, the WNBA is a benefactor to Clark’s ability to draw a crowd. Following their first-round exit, courtesy of the Connecticut Sun, Clark and the Fever will open their season against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on May 17.