In a moment that left fans scratching their heads, Napheesa Collier found herself tangled in a bit of a verbal knot during a recent interview when asked about the fairness of the TV schedule in relation to Caitlin Clark and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Minnesota Lynx star and WNBA MVP candidate, known for her typically well-spoken interviews, was caught off guard when the topic of broadcasting schedules came up, specifically in the context of the overwhelming attention Clark has received from the media.

The question, posed by a reporter during a press conference, was simple: “Do you think the media’s current TV schedule is fair to all players, given the level of attention Caitlin Clark is getting this season?”

However, Collier’s response quickly turned into what many are now calling a “word salad” — a series of disjointed thoughts that seemed to wander around the original question without ever landing on a clear answer.

The Response: A Maze of Thoughts

“Well, I think there’s a lot going on when we talk about fairness, right? It’s hard to measure fairness because fairness is, you know, subjective and based on perspective. Like, obviously Caitlin Clark is an incredible player and we’re all aware of the attention she’s getting, but you also have to think about the bigger picture and how the game is growing overall,” Collier said, pausing for a moment before continuing. “So, yeah, there’s exposure, but exposure also comes with a lot of things, and it’s, like, okay, how do you balance that? You know, it’s a balance. And, like, fairness is part of the equation, but also there’s, um, the reality of where the game is right now and where it’s been, and we can’t ignore that. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.”

Fans and media outlets alike were left puzzled as Collier’s response veered off course, never directly addressing the fairness of the TV scheduling issue. Instead, she spoke generally about the game’s growth and the subjectivity of fairness, leaving many wondering if she had evaded the question altogether.

The Context: Caitlin Clark’s Media Domination

The question itself stemmed from ongoing discussions within the women’s basketball community regarding the disparity in media coverage and TV airtime between players like Caitlin Clark and the rest of the NCAA’s top talent. Clark, who has become a household name with her electrifying performances at Iowa, has been dominating the conversation when it comes to media attention for the sport. Many critics and fans have pointed out that the heavy coverage of Clark’s games has led to some imbalance in how other talented players and teams are being featured on national TV.

Collier, as a prominent figure in both college basketball and the WNBA, is no stranger to the challenges women’s sports face in terms of exposure. However, her attempt to address the issue of fairness through a series of unclear and convoluted statements has drawn mixed reactions.

A Lack of Clarity?

While Collier’s response didn’t seem to land with many listeners, the broader issue remains a critical one. Women’s basketball, in general, is still fighting for equal media attention compared to its male counterparts, and players like Caitlin Clark—who have reached superstar status—often find themselves at the center of a spotlight that doesn’t always shine as brightly on other talented athletes.

Collier’s answer, although well-meaning, highlighted the complexity of this issue. The difficulty in striking a balance between covering established stars like Clark and ensuring that other players get their due exposure is something many in the women’s basketball community are grappling with. The question of fairness in how the media schedules games and allocates air time is a challenge that goes beyond individual players, impacting the future of the sport as a whole.

The Impact of Word Salad?

While Collier may not have given a direct answer, her unintentionally meandering response still sparked plenty of conversation. Some fans found humor in her “word salad” approach, noting that it showcased just how tricky it can be to discuss complex issues in a public forum, especially when those issues touch on the intersection of sports, media, and fairness.

“I don’t think she meant to dodge the question, but it’s clear that there’s no easy answer here,” said one fan on Twitter. “The whole situation is complicated, and I respect Napheesa for at least trying to address it, even if the answer wasn’t exactly clear.”

Others pointed out that the media coverage issue is not just about fairness but about the future growth of the women’s game. Until there is a more consistent and balanced approach to how women’s sports are covered—both on TV and online—questions of fairness will continue to arise, regardless of how athletes like Collier or Clark respond.

What’s Next?

While Collier’s response might have been less than clear, the conversation around fairness in media coverage is one that won’t fade away. It remains a hot-button topic, particularly as the NCAA Women’s Tournament draws closer, and as WNBA stars like Collier and Clark prepare for another season of high-stakes competition.

As for Collier, it’s clear that she continues to be a thoughtful and passionate advocate for the sport—if not always a clear communicator in the heat of the moment. And as for fans, they’ll likely keep a close eye on how this issue plays out over the coming months, hoping that the conversation will eventually lead to greater balance and fairness when it comes to women’s basketball coverage.

In the meantime, fans are left to wonder: Will the media finally find a way to showcase the breadth of talent in women’s basketball, or will athletes like Caitlin Clark continue to dominate the spotlight at the expense of their peers?