Sage Steele Criticizes WNBA for Not Protecting Star Player Caitlin Clark

Sage Steele, host of ‘The Sage Steele Show,’ has expressed concern about the way the WNBA is handling one of its star players, Caitlin Clark. She believes the league’s officiating is poor, with many fouls against Clark and others going uncalled. According to Steele, this neglect could result in losing the league’s growing fanbase.

Recently, Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, reacted harshly to a USA Today column by Nancy Armour. Armour’s column argued that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s interactions with officials can fuel racist abuse and pose a danger to Black and queer WNBA players. Armour controversially suggested a White nationalist aspect in Clark’s fanbase, emphasizing historical violence against Black individuals.

Portnoy criticized Armour’s argument as the “dumbest” sports paragraph he had encountered. He went as far as calling for Armour’s dismissal from USA Today, suggesting such ideas reflected cowardice.

In Armour’s column, she referenced the history of violence against Black Americans, using the example of Emmett Till. She pointed out the historical significance as the WNBA All-Star Game was held in Till’s hometown, Chicago.

Sports analysts like Sam Vecenie raised questions about the editing process of the column due to its content, while Clay Travis opposed the publication of such ideas, suggesting they belong more in a mental institution than sports journalism.

Political figures like Stephen L. Miller and Gina Milan also condemned the comparison to Till, finding it repugnant. Kommunikationsstrateg Matt Whitlock criticized the broader sports media landscape for its perceived radical stance.

Armour addressed the backlash by admitting her comparison was lacking context, while USA Today reaffirmed the clarity of her arguments, despite criticism.

Caitlin Clark had previously spoken against harassment directed at players, emphasizing that malicious behavior online is unacceptable, regardless of the target.

The WNBA and its players’ union have since decided to boost security measures in response to the increasing volume of hateful and racist messages directed at players.