The discourse surrounding Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA has reached a fever pitch, especially after an incident where Chennedy Carter hip-checked her. However, ESPN broadcaster and former WNBA great Rebecca Lobo is setting the record straight.
The False Narrative Around Caitlin Clark
Lobo dismisses the notion that veteran players harbor jealousy or pettiness towards Caitlin Clark. She states, “It’s a false narrative…I don’t think there’s any jealousy or pettiness that is fueling dirty play.” While acknowledging the unprecedented attention Clark receives on the defensive end as a rookie, Lobo emphasizes that the physicality she faces from veterans isn’t excessive or dirty—until the Chennedy Carter hit.
"I don't think there's any jealousy or pettiness… Are veterans being physical with [her]?… But I have not seen anything excessive or anything dirty until that Chennedy Carter hit."
Rebecca Lobo on the narratives around Caitlin Clark 👀
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Lobo continued “Now, is the attention she’s getting on the defensive end unprecedented for a rookie? It absolutely is…Are veterans being physical with her? They are. But I have not seen anything excessive or anything dirty until that Chennedy Carter hit, and that was one of the things that was really unfortunate about it to me…Chennedy gave a previously toothless argument some fangs.”
Rebecca Lobo then opened up on the jealous narrative that has been circulating for a while. Lobo’s comments came after several experts including Monica McNutt discussed Clark’s rookie troubles in the league.
She said, “I think in Caitlin’s debut or since she made her debut, there’s been a large and loud clamor or push, yes, that it’s been Caitlin versus the W(WNBA). And that is unfair to me. Jealous? Yeah, sure. Wouldn’t you be jealous of somebody who got $28 million, a shoe deal, or whatever the deal is, before you step foot in the Pros?”
Chennedy Carter’s Hit
Lobo points out that the hit from Chennedy Carter was unfortunate and gave an otherwise toothless argument some fangs. While veterans do play physically against Clark, Lobo maintains that the hate narrative is unfounded.
Rebecca Lobo defends veteran WNBA players, asserting that they do not hate Caitlin Clark. The attention she receives is remarkable for a rookie, but it doesn’t stem from jealousy or ill will.
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