Since Caitlin Clark is not the only victim, Dan Patrick does not shield her from the WNBA’s brutality.
Don’t count Dan Patrick among those who think the WNBA could have done more to safeguard Caitlin Clark during her first campaign.
During her debut season, the Indiana Fever star was a revelation for the league, setting attendance and viewing records while shining on the court.
However, because of her popularity, some supporters thought that other players were being too aggressive with the former Iowa Hawkeye.
Patrick sat down with Adam Schefter, Tracy Wolfson, and Bill Rhoden on the most recent episode of ESPN’s “The Sports Reporters” to talk about Clark’s influence on the WNBA.
At that point, he attacked casual supporters who were criticizing the physicality. He also attacked the WNBA, saying he thinks they weren’t prepared for Clark and the rise in popularity she brought about.
“It almost felt like the WNBA wasn’t ready for what Caitlin Clark was going to bring with her, and that meant you were going to have people not familiar with the WNBA,” Patrick said.
“I was astonished to learn that the WNBA’s aggressiveness had stunned so-called fans. It is obvious that you haven’t watched the WNBA. They are very aggressive, and now Caitlyn Clark is being physically assaulted. There are a number of players who are roughed up.
While some fans believe Clark was targeted because of her popularity, Patrick doesn’t think that was the case.
Patrick remarked, “Watch the games, watch other games,” They seemed to be focusing on our little Caitlin Clark and roughing her up. Was she? Yes, but that’s how this is physical.
“She plays really well. Because she had a large number of eyes, she also brought a large number of viewpoints. I don’t think the WNBA was really prepared for what was going to happen with the casual fan coming in, so it’s almost like “be careful what you ask for.”
