Rachel DeMita Calls Out 'Hypocrisy' Surrounding Caitlin Clark, WNBA
Wednesday's loss to the Connecticut Sun marked the official end of Caitlin Clark's first season in the WNBA. She helped her Indiana Fever make the playoffs for the first time in nearly 10 years, and she helped create unforeseen interest and revenue in an incredibly successful year.
There's no doubt that Clark is the WNBA's next rising star, but her rise to stardom hasn't always been simple. Some other players in the league have been accused of being jealous of Clark's success and notoriety.
Her fanbase has also been called out by players and others for their conduct on social media, often resorting to homophobia, racism and other issues when defending their favorite player.
One basketball influencer gave her take on the situation, and she acknowledged the double standard that's taken place with Clark's fans.
"I thought it was gonna get better this season, but it hasn't. There are still people who don't want Caitlin to be a part of it," said Rachel DeMita on her podcast.
"With Caitlin comes millions and millions of eyes, and unfortunately with that comes some people who are not nice."
DeMita noted that Clark hasn't addressed the negative comments she's received this season, and that the same attention should be given to her treatment as it has for other players around the league.
"It's not just Caitlin Clark fans or Indiana Fever fans. It's not just going in one direction," DeMita said.
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - SEPTEMBER 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during a press conference after losing 81-87 to the Connecticut Sun in Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
"There are Sky fans - don't know if they're fans or trolls - waiting online to say something about Caitlin or say something about the Indiana Fever, and they go after them."
DeMita also pointed out that Dearica Hamby was booed by Aces fans following her departure from the team, and noted that Hamby left the Aces because she felt that she was mistreated during her pregnancy.
"In that instance, they booed her every time she touched the ball. On a podcast, she said she fought back tears that entire game. That is an instance, if you want to talk about bullying and toxic fanbases, why wasn't that brought up?"
As the conversation around Clark continues, it seems that many around the WNBA are divided on how fans have treated players during the 2024 season.
