Shannon Sharpe Goes Off On WNBA Players For Their Treatment Of Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese

Chennedy Carter pushed Caitlin Clark hard on Saturday when she was waiting at the baseline to accept an inbound pass, sparking speculation about possible deliberate targeting of Clark. The basketball community has taken notice of Carter’s foul on Clark during the Indiana Fever’s most recent game against the Chicago Sky. Additionally, Alyssa Thomas targeted Angel Reese with a vicious flagrant foul that got her ejected from their game last week. Many new fans and pundits who are finally watching WNBA basketball have decried the treatment of the rookies that have come in, especially Caitlin Clark. Shannon Sharpe used some strong words when discussing how the league welcomes rookies. 

Shannon Sharpe joined the outraged supporters, calling Carter’s play on Clark a “Bush League play.” Sharpe said that WNBA experienced players are “mad” at rookies like Clark and Reese because they are receiving more attention during an interview with Chad Johnson on the “Nightcap” program. This seems to be the big topic of discussion within the WNBA as thousands of new fans are keeping up with the game. Sharpe called out the vets of the league, echoing Charles Barkley and LeBron’s defense for Caitlin Clark, essentially calling all the other women in the league jealous.  

Read More: Angel Reese Cheers As Teammate Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground

Shannon Sharpe Defends Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese

@aviontheplumber Straight facts. #caitlinclark #angelreese @WNBA @Shannon Sharpe @The Shade Room #basketball ♬ original sound – Avión Plummer543

“That was not basketball … that’s Bush League. They are mad at Caitlin Clark, they are mad at Angel Reese because they are the Bird and Magic, and they are getting the attention. That was a Bush League play,” Shannon Sharpe told Johnson. Sharpe went on to say that the WNBA has never received as much attention as it has at the moment. He brought up A’Ja Wilson, the two-time MVP of the league, landing a footwear contract upon Clark’s arrival. It is kind of insulting to insinuate that a two-time MVP is only getting a deal because of Clark. There are already numerous women in the WNBA who have signature shoes.

Some of Caitlin Clark’s defending is warranted. Some are going a little overboard. Before Caitlin Clark was hit with a hard foul, she was seen chirping and getting in Chennedy Carter’s face. Caitlin Clark is a talented player but did a lot of “bush league” stuff in college to her credit. The difference is she was able to get away with it in college. But now she is finding it hard to get away with it in the WNBA. Overall, Shannon Sharpe thinks everyone is being unfair when, in reality, the conversation around her is bigger than anything going on on the court. 

Read More: Angel Reese Gets Hit With $1k Fine For Dodging Media After Caitlin Clark Showdown

[via]

The post Shannon Sharpe Goes Off On WNBA Players For Their Treatment Of Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Angel Reese Gets Hit With $1k Fine For Dodging Media After Caitlin Clark Showdown

The WNBA has hit Angel Reese with a $1,000 fine for failing to speak with the press after the Chicago Sky’s loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday. Additionally, the league upgraded Chennedy Carter’s foul against Clark to a flagrant-1 violation after reviewing the play. Carter did speak with the media afterward although she wasn’t very cooperative when discussing the incident. She refused to comment on Clark and remarked “next question.”

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Clark said after the game. “It is what it is. It’s a physical game. Go make the free throw and execute on offense, and I feel like that’s kind of what we did.” She added: “I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate… I’m trying not to let it bother me.”

Read More: Angel Reese Cheers As Teammate Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground

Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark Meet-Up Before Tip-Off

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JUNE 01: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) fist bump before the opening jump ball on June 1, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The fine against Reese and upgrade of Clark’s foul come after Indiana coach Christie Sides confirmed the team would be sending the play to the league for review. “We’re just gonna keep sending these possessions to the league, and these plays, and hopefully they’ll start, you know, taking a better look at some of the things that we see happening, or we think is happening,” Sides said after the game. “Just more happy that Caitlin handled it the way she did. You know, it’s tough to keep getting hammered the way she does and to not get rewarded with free throws or foul calls. She’s continued to fight through that. Appreciate that from her. Really, really proud of her for doing that.”

Angel Reese Cheers On Chennedy Carter

The Fever went on to win their game against the Sky and improved to 2-8 on the season. Be on the lookout for further updates on Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Travis Scott Was Praising Caitlin Clark Years Before Her National Fame, NBA Trainer Recalls

[Via]

The post Angel Reese Gets Hit With $1k Fine For Dodging Media After Caitlin Clark Showdown appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Draymond Green Shares Advice For Caitlin Clark & Indiana Fever After Hard Fouls: “Invest In An Enforcer”

Draymond Green says the Indiana Fever need an “enforcer” on the roster after Chennedy Carter committed a hard foul on Caitlin Clark during the team’s win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday. Video of the foul, as well as Angel Reese’s excited reaction, have been going viral on social media. The incident came towards the end of the third quarter, with Carter shoving Clark to the ground during an inbounds play.

When asked about the move afterward, Carter declined to answer and responded with “next question.” Later, an account on Instagram shared the remarks which prompted a response from Green. “Indiana better go invest in an enforcer… FAST!” The Golden State Warriors star wrote in the comments section.

Read More: Angel Reese Cheers As Teammate Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground

Caitlin Clark Faces A Double Team From The Chicago Sky

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 01: Marina Mabrey #4 of the Chicago Sky defends Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the third quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

While Draymond Green is often seen as the enforcer for the Warriors, the role has landed him in trouble with the league on several occasions. After several ejections, the NBA hit Green with an indefinite suspension last season which led to him not seeing the court for 12 games. Since the Warriors were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs after losing to the Sacramento Kings back in April, Green has been making appearing on Inside The NBA as an analyst.

Draymond Green Speaks On Caitlin Clark

Looking ahead, Clark says she’s focused on not letting the hard fouls get to her. “It is what it is,” she said after the game. “I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate… I’m trying not to let it bother me.” The Fever are now 2-8 while the Sky sit at 3-4. Be on the lookout for further updates on Draymond Green as well as the WNBA on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Lil Wayne Urges Caution From Fans Saying Draymond Green Needs Help

[Via]

The post Draymond Green Shares Advice For Caitlin Clark & Indiana Fever After Hard Fouls: “Invest In An Enforcer” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Angel Reese Cheers As Teammate Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground

Angel Reese cheered on her teammate, Chennedy Carter, as she shoved Caitlin Clark to the ground during the Indiana Fever’s 71-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday afternoon. Nearing the end of the third quarter, Carter shoulder-checked Clark as the ball was being inbounded. Despite appearing aggressive, the referees ruled it only a common foul.

When asked about the move afterward, Carter declined to answer and only responded with “next question.” Clark said that she’s trying not to let moves like that bother her. “It is what it is,” she said. “I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate… I’m trying not to let it bother me.”

Read More: Travis Scott Was Praising Caitlin Clark Years Before Her National Fame, NBA Trainer Recalls

Chennedy Carter Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JUNE 01: Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) is whistled for a foul for knocking Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) to the ground on June 1, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Indiana coach Christie Sides, however, says the team will be sending the play to the league for review. “We’re just gonna keep sending these possessions to the league, and these plays, and hopefully they’ll start, you know, taking a better look at some of the things that we see happening, or we think is happening,” Sides further said. “Just more happy that Caitlin handled it the way she did. You know, it’s tough to keep getting hammered the way she does and to not get rewarded with free throws or foul calls. She’s continued to fight through that. Appreciate that from her. Really, really proud of her for doing that.” Check out a clip of the incident below.

Angel Reese Claps For Her Teammate

With the win, the Fever improve to 2-8 on the season while the Sky drop to 3-4. Be on the lookout for further updates on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Angel Reese Takes Shot At Charles Barkley, Some Think It’s Aimed At Caitlin Clark

[Via]

The post Angel Reese Cheers As Teammate Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SOURCE SPORTS: Gatorade Revives Iconic “Is It In You?” Campaign with A’Ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum & More

Gatorade Revives Iconic "Is It In You?" Campaign with A'Ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum & More

Gatorade, the world’s leading sports drink, has announced the return of its iconic tagline, “Is It In You?”, with the largest campaign in the brand’s history. The tagline, first made famous in the 1990s and early 2000s featuring Michael Jordan, reintroduces the concept of “IT” – the inner drive that fuels greatness – with a contemporary twist for today’s athletes.

The campaign aims to address modern pressures and distractions that young athletes face. New data from Gatorade reveals that 53% of Gen Z athletes who quit sports cite external factors like social pressures and unrealistic expectations. To combat this, Gatorade is leveraging its elite athlete roster to help relaunch “Is It In You?” and inspire athletes to focus on their inner drive.

“As the brand that has been on the sidelines fueling athletes for decades, we’re committed to not only helping them stay in the game but also celebrating their unique ‘IT’,” said Gatorade Chief Brand Officer, Anuj Bhasin. “The return of ‘Is It In You?’, our biggest campaign of all time, is about acknowledging how much the sports landscape has changed, while reminding athletes that one thing hasn’t – the inner drive that fuels you – and that’s what matters most.”

“With ‘Is It In You?’ in the ‘90s, we inspired a generation,” said Michael Jordan, Gatorade’s longest standing athlete partner, six-time NBA Champion, five-time NBA MVP and 14-time NBA All-Star. “The return of ‘Is It In You?’ is another chapter in greatness for Gatorade, a brand that has fueled champions for decades and relentlessly serves athletes on and off the field.”

The campaign kicked off with a powerful 60-second film, “IT Hasn’t Changed,” narrated by Michael Jordan. The film features stories from Gatorade athletes such as Josh Allen, Caitlin Clark, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Jayson Tatum, A’ja Wilson, and DJ Lagway, who have overcome obstacles by tapping into their personal “IT”. The film debuted during the NBA Western Conference Finals Game 4.

Throughout the summer, the campaign will include a colored sweat takeover on social media, custom filters on Snapchat and Instagram, and billboards nationwide. Fans can follow Gatorade’s social media for more updates.

This campaign follows a strong first half for Gatorade, which continues to lead the sports drink market and expand into new areas such as equipment, beverage enhancers, and enhanced water, making it the most complete portfolio of athletic solutions available.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Gatorade Revives Iconic “Is It In You?” Campaign with A’Ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum & More first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Gatorade Revives Iconic “Is It In You?” Campaign with A’Ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum & More appeared first on The Source.

Angel Reese Takes Shot At Charles Barkley, Some Think It’s Aimed At Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese, a player known for her outspoken nature, has been a prominent figure since her breakout with the LSU Tigers a few years ago. Her impact, both on and off the court, has been significant since the start of her WNBA career. As her platform expands, she maintains the same attitude that has made her a household name. After the Chicago Sky’s victory over the New York Liberty on Thursday night, Reese took to social media. She addressed her critics, including, it seems, Charles Barkley, sparking speculation.

Barkley asserted on Inside the NBA on Wednesday night that rather than attacking Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark, WNBA women should be appreciating the attention she was bringing to the league. The Caitlin Clark discourse is reaching problematic levels. Her popularity is bringing in all sorts of people to voice their opinions on a sport they don’t really know anything about. Reese appears to have taken that personally and is determined to show that a successful team requires more than just one player.

Read More: Angel Reese Holds The Larry O’Brien Trophy, Says It Reminds Her Of Kobe Bryant

Angel Reese Throws Shots At Charles Barkley And Maybe Caitlin Clark

There are several levels in Angel Reese’s tweet that has social media buzzing. Reese, for starters, notes that her team won, which is noteworthy given that Clark and the Fever are 0-5 on the season despite being on national TV constantly, generating television viewership. Clark also references the sold-out crowd at the Sky’s win, a game that didn’t feature Caitlin Clark at all. Reese also mentions that she and her teammates are continuing to travel on charter flights. Something that WNBA players have been working to alter for years. Barkley told the WNBA players they should be grateful for Caitlin Clark improving their travel plans despite the charter flights still being up in the air for half the league. 

The Twitter shots definitely targeted Barkley and other men who chimed in on the WNBA. Caitlin Clark was not mentioned, and everything Reese said was aimed at the discourse and the figures perpetuating it. Angel Reese is balling and is one of many rookies who are showcasing the future of the league. If the WNBA is smart, they will try to turn all of these spectacular rookies into household names instead of putting all their eggs in the Caitlin Clark basket. 

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Twerks On WNBA Star Angel Reese At Her Chicago Concert

[via]

The post Angel Reese Takes Shot At Charles Barkley, Some Think It’s Aimed At Caitlin Clark appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

LeBron James And Charles Barkley Receive Backlash For Caitlin Clark Support

LeBron James and Charles Barkley have shown their support for Caitlin Clark. Clark has received some criticism from fans about her start to the WNBA season. As the number one pick in the WNBA draft, she has massive expectations of her. As a superstar in college, she is looked at as someone who can grow the women’s game and push it forward. Much of the criticism from actual players in the WNBA came weeks ago. While Clark was making her national Championship game run, Diana Taurasi was singled out as being overly negative towards Clark. Criticism isn’t coming from other WNBA players. Rather, they are highlighting the already established stars and other strong rookies outside of Clark instead of making everything about a single player.

LeBron James recently came out in support of Caitlin Clark. He remarked upon the expectations on her shoulders. He gave her advice to try to get in first with the vets. She needs too listen when she needs t, and speak up when asked. Last night, during TNT’s coverage of the Western Conference Finals, Charles Barkley went on a rant about women being petty towards Caitlin Clark, coming to her defense. Many fans have noted that these figures haven’t gone this hard for other WNBA players like MVP Aja Wilson or phenomenal rookie Angel Reese. Even WNBA players have now responded to Chuck and LeBron.

Read More: Chris Paul Is Possibly Gearing Up To Team Up With LeBron James On The Lakers

LeBron And Charles Barkley Catch Heat for Catilin Clark Support

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Barkley said last night, “You women out there, y’all petty, man… Y’all should be thanking that girl [Clark] for getting y’all ass private charters.” Barkley continued, “All the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA, don’t be petty like dudes. Listen, what she’s accomplished, give her her flowers.” He then echoed LeBrons james similar sentiments towards Clark and “pettiness.” Fans and those close to the WNBA have called out Sir Charles for being misguided. ESPN” ‘s Chiney Ogwumike, who covers the WNBA extensively, was adamant on Twitter, saying she doesn’t know a single player who isn’t grateful for the increased spotlight Caitlin Clark and her fellow rookies are bringing to the league.

This is a case of believing everything you see on social media. Charles is likely referring to people who are newcomers to the women’s game trying to score points and give their opinions on a subject they are new to. Why would WNBA players hate on finally flying private during the season? The Caitlin Clark story is a great one for the game, but people continue to take it to places it doesn’t need to go to instead of just enjoying the ride.

Read More: LeBron James Sends Heartfelt Message To Bronny After His Pro Day At Lakers Facility

[via]

The post LeBron James And Charles Barkley Receive Backlash For Caitlin Clark Support appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

LeBron James Gives Advice To Caitlin Clark After Rough Start To Her Rookie Season

LeBron James, the star of the Los Angeles Lakers and an NBA great, discussed with Caitlin Clark this week his knowledge of what it takes to meet and beyond enormous expectations. On his Mind The Game podcast with JJ Redick, Lebron discussed Caitlin Clark and the noise around the WNBA rookie sensation. Clark has massive expectations of her, not just from her team but also from the entire league. Lebron is an athlete who probably had the most lofty expectations of any athlete ever. He is probably the right person to give advice to Caitlin Clark on how to handle the pressure.

One of the few players who achieved a similar amount of fame prior to joining the league may be Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. Clark was an Iowa Hawkeyes superstar in college. In her four years in the program, she broke the NCAA scoring record and, in her senior year, scored just over 28 points per game, the most of any player in NCAA history. James recently discussed his thoughts on the Clark situation with JJ Redick on his podcast, Mind the Game. He expressed what he thought of her as a player and the pressures she is currently under.

Read More: Caitlin Clark WNBA Debut: A Rocky Start With Some Real Positives

LeBron James Praises Caitlin Clark Amidst Criticism

During his Mind the Game Podcast with JJ Redick, LeBron James offered the budding WNBA star some guidance. He said of Caitlin Clark, “My advice to Caitlin, and my advice to anyone that comes in with this level of notoriety, out-of-this-world expectation, whatever the case may be, be a horse, man. The Kentucky Derby. Put your blinders on, go to work, show up to work, punch your clock in, prepare yourself, work on your game, work on your craft.” He says she can’t give in to the noise and distractions. Lebron went on to say to be careful what you say because “…everybody is looking for you to say anything and they’re gonna splice it and cut it and make it a negative thing.”

LeBron also said that the evolution of the WNBA this season is due in large part to Caitlin Clark. He said, “Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things is going to happen for the WNBA… I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before.” he referenced the WNBA using chartered flights for the first time this season. Overall, LeBron’s advice is good advice for Clark. Clark is starting to really adapt to the WNBA. The Indiana Fever is far from being a good team, but the bones of a great one already exist.

Read More: LeBron James Praises His Son Bronny’s Performance During Last Week’s NBA Draft Combine

[via]

The post LeBron James Gives Advice To Caitlin Clark After Rough Start To Her Rookie Season appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SOURCE SPORTS: Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut Set Viewership Record

Caitlin Clark Scores 20 in WNBA Debut

The Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun season opener, featuring Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated WNBA debut, has shattered viewership records on ESPN platforms. The game drew an impressive 2.1 million viewers across ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, making it the most-watched WNBA game ever on these platforms, whether in the regular season or playoffs. This remarkable milestone surpasses the previous record set by the Phoenix Mercury at the Connecticut Sun game on May 22, 2004.

Viewership peaked at 2.3 million between 7:45 p.m. and 7:59 p.m., highlighting the widespread excitement surrounding Clark’s entrance into the league. The buzz didn’t stop there; the second game of the night, featuring the Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces, averaged 464,000 viewers, marking a five percent increase compared to last year. Collectively, the two games averaged 1.28 million viewers, a staggering 192 percent rise from last season’s average on ESPN platforms.

The pre-game show, WNBA Countdown, which was presented by Google, also saw a significant uptick in viewership. The show averaged 680,000 viewers across ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, reflecting a 126 percent increase compared to last year’s pre-game averages on ABC and ESPN.

The surge in interest wasn’t confined to TV screens. WNBA content on ESPN.com and the ESPN App experienced a 409 percent increase in unique visitors year-over-year. Social media engagement with WNBA content on ESPN’s accounts also saw a 125 percent boost.

These record-breaking numbers underscore the growing popularity and excitement surrounding the WNBA and the immense draw of rising star Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark made an impressive WNBA debut, scoring a team-high 20 points and hitting four 3-pointers. However, her performance wasn’t enough to secure a win, as the Connecticut Sun defeated her team 92-71.

Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with a triple-double, recording 13 points, 13 assists, and ten rebounds. This marked her 12th career triple-double in the WNBA, extending her league record, including regular season and playoff games.

Despite Clark’s strong showing, the Sun’s balanced attack and Thomas’ brilliance proved too much. The rookie phenom showcased her scoring prowess and provided a glimpse of her potential impact in the league.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut Set Viewership Record first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut Set Viewership Record appeared first on The Source.

Caitlin Clark WNBA Debut: A Rocky Start With Some Real Positives

Caitlin Clark made her much-anticipated WNBA debut last night. The Indiana Fever faced off against the Connecticut Sun, and all eyes were on Clark, who contributed to a packed arena for her debut. It is a big adjustment for rookies to adapt to the WNBA. Even with the massive expectations on her shoulders, Clark is expected to produce the same way she did in college. Well, last night, Clark received her “welcome to the league” moment as she set a new record for turnovers in a rocky first game with the Fever.

Tuesday was her WNBA debut, but it didn’t go as expected. Her Fever team fell by double digits, and she committed a record ten turnovers. When Indiana and the former Iowa star faced the Sun in their season opener in Connecticut, everything went smoothly at first. The packed arena was treated to a glimpse of what could come with Caitlin Clark. Ultimately, the Fever and Clark were not up to snuff compared to the Sun. Clark struggled for large periods during the game, but she also showed some sparks that showed that she could dominate the league.

Read More: Caitlin Clark’s Teammates Give Her A Suprise Unofficial Graduation 

Caitlin Clark’s Rocky WNBA Debut

Despite the fact that it was an away game, the arena was packed, and she received applause during player introductions. Calrk finished with a wild stat line of 20 points and 10 turnovers, a very peculiar double-double. On the one hand, she tied the league record with four three-pointers in her career’s first game and scored the second-most points of any player in their debut game with the Indiana Fever. However, she also made 10 turnovers, which is a record for a player’s debut since the league’s founding in 1997. Caitlin and her teammates ultimately fell 92-71.

The Connecticut Sun is renowned as one of the best teams in the WNBA, specifically on defense. The iNdiana fever played like a team that earned the no.1 pick two years in a row. They aren’t very good right now, and a lot of responsibility is on Caitlin Clark’s shoulders. There were several promising sequences that fans should be excited about. Overall, it is going to take some time for Caitlin Clark to gel in the WNBA. it will be a process for both her and the Indiana Fever.

Read More: Caitlin Clark Gets Iced Out By Indiana Fever Teammates

[via]

The post Caitlin Clark WNBA Debut: A Rocky Start With Some Real Positives appeared first on HotNewHipHop.