NBA legend and TNT analyst Charles Barkley came to the defense of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark Wednesday, blasting what he called “petty” women who have been critical of the young star’s meteoric rise in the WNBA. Barkley’s comments echoed those of NBA superstar LeBron James who recently advised Clark to “Put your blinders on” when it comes to backlash or hate from the public.
“You women out there y’all petty man” Barkley said on “Inside the NBA” amid laughter from his fellow commentators. “Hey, LeBron you are 100% right on these girls hatin’ on Caitlin Clark. Y’all petty girls! I expect men to be petty ’cause we’re the most insecure group in the world. Y’all should be thanking that girl for gettin’ y’all ass private charters all the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA. Don’t be petty like dudes!”
Barkley’s rant comes amid growing criticism of Clark from some quarters who attribute her popularity and marketability to her race and appearance. “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin recently suggested that Clark benefits from “pretty privilege” and is more relatable because she’s white straight and attractive.
Former ESPN host Jemele Hill expressed similar sentiments telling the Los Angeles Times that while Clark’s success should be celebrated there is “a part of it that is a little problematic because of what it says about the worth and the marketability of the players who are already there.” Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson also said Clark’s race is “a huge thing” in her rise to stardom.
However, Barkley dismissed such critiques as pettiness arguing that Clark’s accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. The number one draft pick has drawn huge crowds and sparked a nearly 250% increase in WNBA ticket prices leading the league to grant charter flights due to the rosy financial prospects generated by her popularity.
