Serena Williams weighs in on Caitlin Clark drama as she offers WNBA star advice: ‘They can’t do what you do’
Serena Williams has given Caitlin Clark some advice after speaking out about the controversy surrounding the Indian Fever rookie.
Just a month into her debut WNBA season, Clark finds herself at the center of a culture war amid claims that she is being attacked on the court by rival players because of her race and sexuality.
Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter sparked outrage earlier this month by trashing the former Iowa college sensation for no reason, with talk show host Bill Maher attributing it to her being heterosexual in a “very lesbian” competition.
“There is also a racist element to it,” Maher added this week. “It’s not always racism when a white person succeeds.”
However, others believe Clark is now being weaponized to promote racism, homophobia and misogyny, sparking fierce debate over the treatment of the WNBA’s new superstar.
Serena Williams has spoken out about the controversy surrounding WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark
Just a month into her debut WNBA season, Clark finds herself at the center of a culture war
Amid the ongoing drama, Williams has praised Clark for not letting it affect her on the pitch, while suggesting her critics are jealous of what she is achieving.
“I just think it’s great that she tried to stay grounded and that she doesn’t… look at her social interactions [media]’, said the tennis legend Associated press at the premiere of her docuseries “In the Arena: Serena Williams.”
‘I understand. Me neither. And I think it’s so important to keep doing what she’s doing.
“And no matter what other people do, if people are negative, it’s because they can’t do what you do… basically. And hopefully she keeps doing what she’s doing.”
Clark recently responded to claims that she is being weaponized for negative reasons in the WNBA after initially appearing to dismiss such suggestions.
Connecticut Sun star DiJonai Carrington seemed to take issue with that initial response, wondering on social media how players don’t care about being weaponized for hate.
However, Clark took a stronger stance when pressed directly on the issue later Thursday night, ahead of the Fever’s game against the Atlanta Dream.
Tennis legend Williams has praised Clark for not letting it affect her on court, while suggesting her critics are jealous of what she is achieving.
“It’s disappointing,” she admitted. ‘Everyone in our world deserves equal respect. The women in our league deserve equal respect.
“People shouldn’t be using my name for those agendas. It’s disappointing. It’s not acceptable.
“This league is the league I grew up with and want to be a part of. Some of the women in this league were my biggest idols and role models growing up, and they helped me get to this moment here, where I get to play every night.”