Caitlin Clark, the star point guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has taken the college basketball world by storm with her undeniable talent, fierce competitiveness, and electrifying performances. However, her rise to prominence has also attracted criticism from several high-profile WNBA players, some of whom took shots at Clark—only to later play innocent or backpedal when the controversy intensified. Here’s a look at how certain WNBA players attacked Caitlin Clark, only to later play innocent when their comments sparked backlash.

1. The Controversial “Too Cocky” Comments by Sabrina Ionescu
Sabrina Ionescu, one of the biggest names in the WNBA and a former college basketball star herself, was quick to call Caitlin Clark “too cocky” after a few high-energy performances. Ionescu, known for her confidence on the court, questioned Clark’s approach to the game, implying that she might be overstepping the boundaries of sportsmanship. However, once the backlash from fans and analysts started to build, Sabrina quickly clarified her words, claiming that she was simply challenging Clark to continue growing and improving. She played the “innocent” card, suggesting that her comments were misinterpreted and that she only intended to motivate the rising star.

2. The Critique of Clark’s Trash-Talking Style
Another well-known WNBA player, Tina Charles, took aim at Clark’s trash-talking during a particularly heated matchup. Charles, who has had her share of competitive moments on the court, expressed disapproval of Clark’s fiery personality and bold gestures during games. She felt that players should focus more on the team aspect and less on individual theatrics. However, when fans criticized Charles for attacking Clark’s passionate style of play, Tina backpedaled. She later made a statement emphasizing that she respected Clark’s talent and was only concerned about maintaining respect in the game—an attempt to soften her earlier remarks and avoid further controversy.

3. The “One-And-Done” Debate with Diana Taurasi
In a podcast appearance, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi chimed in on the debate surrounding Caitlin Clark’s future in the game. Taurasi suggested that Clark, as talented as she is, might not live up to the hype in the pros, calling the hype surrounding her “a bit premature.” The comment came off as dismissive, with some suggesting that Taurasi was threatened by Clark’s rise. Yet, when the comments went viral and sparked public outrage, Diana took a more diplomatic stance. She publicly praised Clark’s skill and dismissed any notion of undermining the young star. Taurasi’s sudden shift in tone highlighted her attempt to walk back the critique, leaving many wondering whether her original statement was driven by jealousy or a true assessment of Clark’s potential.

4. The “Excessive Media Coverage” Comments from A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson, the WNBA MVP, sparked controversy when she commented on the amount of media attention Caitlin Clark was receiving, particularly during the NCAA Tournament. Wilson stated that Clark’s coverage was “over the top” and that it might be clouding people’s judgment about other talented players in college basketball. However, the backlash from fans and players alike made Wilson reconsider her stance. She quickly walked back the comment, stating that she didn’t mean to diminish Clark’s talent but rather wanted to highlight the achievements of other players who might not get the same level of attention. The quick reversal was seen by many as an attempt to stay on the safe side after realizing the negative impact her words could have on her own reputation.

5. The Alleged Jealousy from Other WNBA Stars
While Caitlin Clark’s rise to fame has undoubtedly sparked admiration from many in the basketball world, some believe that the negative comments from WNBA players were rooted in jealousy. The attention and adulation Clark received, especially after breaking records and leading Iowa deep into the NCAA Tournament, caused some players to feel threatened. A few unnamed WNBA stars reportedly took issue with Clark’s rapid ascension to fame, feeling that the media was overshadowing other talented athletes. When questioned about these alleged grievances, these players quickly denied any ill will toward Clark, presenting themselves as supportive of the young phenom. Their attempts to “play innocent” were seen as attempts to defuse the tension and avoid creating a rift with a rising star.

Conclusion
The attacks on Caitlin Clark from certain WNBA players reveal a complex dynamic between the generations of women’s basketball. While some of the comments appeared to stem from genuine critiques, others were perhaps rooted in jealousy or a desire to maintain dominance in the sport. However, as public pressure mounted, many of these players quickly backpedaled, adopting a more supportive and innocent stance toward Clark. Despite the initial harsh remarks, one thing remains clear: Caitlin Clark has earned the respect of the basketball world with her talent, and her critics—whether intentional or not—are left to eat their words as she continues to make history.