Being bullied in all facets of life is not acceptable. To me, those who bully are extremely insecure about themselves and are afraid to become vulnerable. They act and lash out at other to feel powerful and superior. They are cowards who can't confront and accept any insecurities that they might have.
WNBA rookie, Caitlin Clark, has recently been a victim of being bullied. Last Saturday, a match between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky took place. Clark was drafted to the former. It was during this match that Chicago Sky's Chennedy Carter deliberately planted her shoulder into a defenseless Clark and sent her sprawling onto the court.
That moment has now transcended the sports world. Everyone is talking about women's pro basketball. That Carter appeared to mutter 'Yo b****' before slamming into Clark made the hit even more jarring. A fellow Sky's player, Angel Reese – another rookie – celebrated her teammate's unsportsmanlike blindside. This rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.
Clark has seemingly had a target on her back ever since she was drafted. Her No. 1 pick in the draft by the Indiana Fever raised the bar even higher - as did her $28 million sponsorship deal with Nike.
Perhaps, above all else, Clark's race has thrust her to the center of everyone's attention. Critics openly alleged that Clark is the beneficiary of a so-called racial 'privilege'.
Having watched what happened (which you can watch below), the move was unnecessary. A few heated words a few seconds prior, doesn't mean that anything goes when play stops. Heated exchanges are part of sport but not violence.
It's apparent that this is just hazing and that it's a natural thing to happen. A popular example is that of Michael Jordan. The third pick in the NBA draft, he had already stunned the country as the leader of the North Carolina Tar Heels 1982 championship team. Isaiah Thomas and his 'Bad Boys' Detroit Pistons couldn't care less.
The Pistons played a brand of hard-nosed ball – and Jordan was often the unlucky recipient of their flying elbows and hip checks. apart from jawing the ears off apathetic refs, Jordan didn't ever fold to pressure or rely on the referees to protect him.
Instead, he trained longer, conditioned harder, got bigger and earned the respect of teammates who came to rally around him because he knew that's what it was going to take.
Draymond Green, the infamous enforcer for the Golden State Warriors, has called on the Indiana Fever to invest in a player who will protect Clark on the court.
Former WNBA player and coach, Nancy Lieberman, has weighed in on the matter. She said, ""If I were Caitlin Clark, I would’ve punched her in the face. I’m from New York, and I would’ve told her to f--- off. That would actually cure the problem."
Lieberman is one of the most respected former players and coaches in women’s basketball, so her opinion on what should’ve gone down carries some weight.
She likened Clark to NBA superstar, LeBron James, saying "[Clark] doesn’t want to mix it up with people, although she could" to protect her image. The Fever also have to be worried about keeping her on the court. A physical altercation usually results in an ejection and suspension.
After the game, Carter said, "I wasn’t expecting that but I think it’s just like, ‘Respond, calm down, and let your play do the talking.'” It’s nice that someone is being the adult. Fever coach, Christie Sides, said she was concerned about the physical treatment given to Clark, who has received enormous publicity in her rookie season after a record-breaking college career with Iowa. The WNBA upgraded Carter’s foul to a flagrant-1 violation after reviewing video evidence.
Clark has since waved off the incident. She said, "You got to find a way to hold your own. I grew up with two brothers and things were very physical ... so I’m definitely prepared for it.”
Since Carter was unprovoked and her action not required, I believe she should get a hefty ban.
Despite Clark's waving off of the whole situation, I am nonetheless outraged by this whole thing. Actions like these should never take place. If you have anger and frustration, find alternative ways to sublimate the emotions. You shouldn't take it out on a rival star player.
On the other hand, I suppose, this incident could be seen as promoting awareness of the WNBA. This is despite the growing reputation of Caitlin Clark. There's no questioning her skyrocketing popularity. It's possible that the 'cheap shot' was done out of jealously - which is still unacceptable.
I wouldn't go as far as Nancy Lieberman. Intial violence shouldn't be retaliated with further violence. I would also disagree with the coach. The physical treatment wasn't that harsh. I have to side with Carter herself. If something like this happens to someone else, they should pick themselves up, dust off and continue playing. They shouldn't let the incident/s get the better of them.