Caitlin Clark has earned a new group of vocal supporters, including the co-hosts of The View, after facing backlash for her comments at the Time magazine 2024 Athlete of the Year event. The WNBA star, who also received the 2024 Rookie of the Year honor, found herself in hot water with some conservative circles for acknowledging her white privilege. During the event, Clark discussed the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black women in the WNBA and how they continue to inspire future generations. This remark stirred controversy, with critics accusing her of pandering to the “woke mob.”
However, the co-hosts on The View firmly rejected such criticisms. Joy Behar highlighted that some individuals on the right were quick to accuse Clark of “bowing to the woke mob,” simply for acknowledging her privilege. Despite this, the hosts were resolute in defending Clark’s stance, recognizing her integrity and the broader context of her message.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, in particular, emphasized that Clark was being unfairly pushed into a narrative that didn’t align with her values. She pointed out that the WNBA star has consistently used her platform to elevate others, especially fellow female athletes. “Every time she’s given a microphone, she’s a great spokesperson for the WNBA,” Griffin said, stressing that Clark’s mission was about promoting inclusivity and uplifting women, not engaging in divisive battles.
Sara Haines echoed this sentiment, noting that critics were unfairly expecting Clark to falter in her responses. Haines noted that, contrary to those expectations, Clark’s message was grounded in the right place, demonstrating wisdom and humility in acknowledging the privileges she had as a white athlete in a predominantly Black league.
Lastly, Behar offered some blunt advice to those offended by Clark’s comments: “Some of these white people need to get a grip on themselves!” She further emphasized the importance of recognizing the ongoing struggles of marginalized groups without overreacting to efforts to create awareness and dialogue. This moment on The View underscored the broad support Clark has, particularly among those who appreciate her commitment to justice and equality in sports.
