While Dave Portnoy disagreed with Caitlin Clark’s comment about white privilege, the Barstool Sports chief had a unique take on the WNBA star’s acknowledgment.
Earlier this week, the Indiana Fever rookie sensation was named Time Magazine’s ‘Athlete of the Year’ in honor of her impact on and off the basketball court.
With another prize added to her trophy case amid her soaring popularity, Clark noted how she deserved the honor.
However, she also acknowledged being a benefactor of white privilege while highlighting the issues the WNBA is facing in its young history.
‘I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,’ Clark told Time.
‘A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been black players,’ she continued. ‘This league has kind of been built on them.
‘The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible. I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.’
Dave Portnoy claimed that Caitlin Clark should not have commented on her white privilege
The WNBA star made the remarks after being named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year
Portnoy compared Clark to black athletes such as Simone Biles and Serena Williams
On Friday, Portnoy joined Stuart Varney on Fox Business’ Varney & Co. and was asked about Clark’s statement upon receiving the award. In his response, Portnoy drew parallels between Clark and African-American sports icons.
‘She was put in a tough spot,’ Portnoy said. ‘She said she deserves it. It has nothing to do with white privilege, but she’s in a league, and she’s had to deal with any time she’s been successful over the past year, two years, everyone’s tearing her down, saying, ‘Oh, it’s only because you’re white.’
‘That’s garbage. You don’t hear people talk about it – Was Tiger Woods white privilege? Was Simone Biles white privilege? Was Serena Williams white privilege?’
‘What she has similar with all athletes, black, white, indifferent, she’s the most unique talent we have seen in this sport,’ he continued. ‘That’s why everyone loves her. It has nothing to do with the color of her skin. She, in a lot of ways, I think, doesn’t want to be the center of this controversy, but every time you mention her name, it’s brought up.
‘And I think this was just her trying to appease both sides. I personally wish she didn’t say it, but I certainly understand why she would and maybe I would in those shoes too.’
Clark won the award after boosting the WNBA’s popularity. Upon her arrival, the sharpshooter inspired a spike in the league’s viewership and attendance numbers.
Her performances warranted the following as she racked up unpresented number and broke standing records.
Before turning pro, Clark built a wide following with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she led the team to back-to-back title games, despite losing both. She became the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft and helped the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Clark secured the Rookie of the Year honor while finishing fourth in MVP voting.
While her debut season was widely celebrated due to her skill, it did not come without challenges as she regularly became the center of heated culture wars fanned by the media.
Nonetheless, the WNBA is a benefactor for Clark’s ability to draw an audience. Following their first-round exit, courtesy of the Connecticut Sun, Clark and the Fever will open their season against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on May 17.
