Monica McNutt has candidly expressed her feelings of jealousy towards Caitlin Clark, particularly highlighting the impressive $28 million shoe deal that Clark secured before even stepping onto a professional basketball court. During her appearance on “Nightcap” with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco, McNutt delved into the dynamics of Clark’s entrance into the WNBA and the resulting discourse.
“I get that we are at a special place when it comes to women’s basketball and the growth of the game and all of the eyeballs. I think what I was frustrated by in our conversation earlier is that we can hold more than one truth, y’all. Like the idea of some players being jealous. Yes, that probably exists.”
“There’s been a loud & large push that is Caitlin versus the W and that is unfair to me. Yeah. Jealous. Sure. I mean, would you be jealous of somebody that got $20 million a shoe deal or whatever the deal is before you step foot in the pros, right?”
“I just need us all to do a better job of holding room for multiple truth. Jordan has a rookie show, right? LeBron has a rookie, like Wemby as a rookie. When you look at guys that have gone on to be great, I’m sure they would not say their rookie years were cakewalks.”
“Now in the case of LeBron, and if we use Wimby this year, they have physically dominant and powerful statures. And so maybe that has allowed them to skirt some of the curve. But Caitlin is a guard coming from college. She got to get her weight up.”
“The prevailing idea that it’s the W versus Caitlyn, and that these women don’t understand the power of the eyeballs and the audience that she’s helped grow the league too, that’s just unfair.” (4:00)
McNutt’s comments came in the wake of a heated exchange on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith. She pointed out the disparity in coverage and recognition that women’s basketball has historically received, emphasizing that Clark’s immediate financial success and visibility have stirred a mix of admiration and envy among her peers.
Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has undeniably brought a surge of attention to the league. Her debut has seen a significant uptick in game attendance, viewership, and overall interest. For instance, when the Indiana Fever played the Los Angeles Sparks, the game drew a larger crowd than any Lakers game in history, underscoring the magnetic pull Clark has on fans.
Beyond attendance, Clark’s influence has led to tangible changes in the league’s operations. Shortly after she highlighted the issue of players flying on commercial flights, the WNBA secured charter flights for its athletes. Additionally, multiple players have landed lucrative endorsement deals, further spotlighting the growing commercial appeal of the league.
McNutt also touched on the physical challenges Clark has faced, likening her situation to that of NBA players like LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama during their rookie years. These players, despite their immense talent, had to navigate the rough and competitive landscape of professional basketball.
McNutt argued that Clark’s treatment is not entirely unique but emphasized that the narrative of “Clark vs. the WNBA” is unfair. She noted that while Clark’s success is unprecedented, it should not overshadow the contributions and talents of other players in the league.
In addressing the exchange with Stephen A. Smith, McNutt pointed out that the increased coverage of women’s basketball, particularly the WNBA, could have started much earlier, leveraging Smith’s substantial platform. She highlighted the importance of using such influence to elevate women’s sports consistently, rather than only in moments of heightened interest.
Ultimately, McNutt’s reflections underscore the complexities of Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise, the dynamics of envy and admiration it sparks, and the ongoing need for equitable coverage and recognition of women’s sports. Her comments serve as a reminder that while Clark’s success is to be celebrated, it should also inspire broader support and visibility for all athletes in the WNBA.
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