Pat McAfee Shocks the WNBA: Calls Out the League for Handling Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s Rivalry
May 20, 2025 — The Moment That Exposed a Bigger Problem
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter turned media personality, took to his platform to deliver a searing critique of the WNBA and its handling of the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry. McAfee, known for his outspoken and often controversial opinions, used his podcast to call out the WNBA for what he sees as a “media spin” that misrepresents the reality of the game, especially when it comes to Clark’s on-court altercations.
The Incident: A Flagrant Foul and a Controversial Narrative
The controversy began during a heated preseason game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky. The game, already filled with excitement due to the ongoing rivalry between Clark and Reese, saw Clark committing a hard foul on Reese that led to a flagrant call. The physicality was clear, and as Reese was knocked to the floor, the emotions between the two players were high. However, the story quickly took a turn when a viral clip of the incident began circulating online.
Fans noticed that the clip, which showed Clark’s foul on Reese, was edited in a way that seemingly isolated the foul, removing the context of the preceding moments. What was left out of the footage? The moments leading up to the foul, where Reese herself had made contact with a Fever player earlier in the game. The omission of that part of the play, McAfee argued, was an intentional act of “amnesia” by the media, trying to paint Clark as the aggressor and focus on the drama of the situation instead of the whole story.
McAfee’s Reaction: “You Clipped the Wrong Part of the Play”
McAfee, never one to shy away from controversy, didn’t mince words. After watching the edited clip, he immediately took to social media and his podcast, calling out both the media and the WNBA. “You clipped the wrong part of the play,” McAfee said. “This isn’t about Angel being aggressive; that’s basketball. It’s about pretending Clark is the villain for reacting to a foul that started five seconds earlier.”
McAfee’s critique was aimed squarely at how the media had spun the narrative surrounding the game. Instead of focusing on the full context—the physical back-and-forth between Reese and Clark—media outlets had zeroed in on the flagrant foul, which only served to fuel the already high emotions surrounding their rivalry. McAfee’s comments resonated with fans who felt that Clark, who had been nothing but composed throughout her rookie season, was unfairly being painted as the antagonist.
The Broader Impact: How the Narrative Shaped the WNBA’s Image
McAfee’s intervention brought a much-needed perspective to the situation, highlighting a broader issue that the WNBA has been grappling with: the role of media and public narrative in shaping the perception of its athletes. Caitlin Clark, a young white player from Iowa, has become the league’s new face, attracting millions of fans and increasing viewership. Her success has undoubtedly brought attention and growth to the WNBA, but it has also drawn criticism from some veteran players who feel overshadowed by the media focus on her.
Clark’s rise has sparked resentment from some quarters, particularly those who believe that the media’s portrayal of her as the league’s savior has sidelined the achievements of Black athletes like Angel Reese. McAfee’s comments shed light on the racial dynamics at play in this rivalry, as Reese, a confident Black woman, has been targeted more aggressively by both her opponents and certain sections of the media. For McAfee, the narrative around Clark’s rise and the way the media has treated the rivalry is a reminder of the systemic issues that still exist in sports.
The Rivalry: Media vs. Reality
At its core, the tension between Clark and Reese is about more than just basketball. It’s a cultural and generational divide that is playing out in real time. Clark, with her extraordinary shooting range and composure, is often portrayed as the next face of women’s basketball. Reese, with her powerful physical presence and unapologetic personality, represents a different kind of star. The WNBA’s new era is being shaped by both players, but how the media handles their rivalry is key to understanding the future of the league.
In McAfee’s eyes, this isn’t just about rivalry; it’s about how the league and its media partners manage the narratives surrounding their stars. By focusing on Clark’s image as the “new face” of the WNBA, the league risks alienating players like Reese, who represent the diversity and depth of the game. McAfee’s blunt commentary is a call for the league to reassess its approach to media coverage, ensuring that all athletes, regardless of their race or background, are treated with respect.
The Backlash: Fans Rally Behind Clark
As expected, McAfee’s comments have triggered strong reactions from both fans and analysts. Many have praised McAfee for his honest and candid take on the situation. Fans have rallied behind Clark, using hashtags like #TeamCaitlin and #RespectCaitlin to show their support. Social media platforms erupted with praise for Clark’s ability to rise above the controversy and continue delivering on the court, with one fan commenting, “Clark is the future of women’s basketball—her focus is on the game, and that’s what matters.”
Others have expressed concern about the WNBA’s handling of the situation. By failing to address the broader context of the incident and allowing the media to spin the story in a way that targets Clark, the league risks damaging its image and losing the trust of its growing fanbase. McAfee’s comments, and the backlash against them, have opened up a wider discussion about the responsibility of sports media in shaping the stories around athletes.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Clark and Reese?
As the WNBA season progresses, the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will continue to be one of the most compelling narratives in the league. For Clark, the key will be to continue letting her game do the talking, ignoring the drama and focusing on her incredible talent and leadership. For Reese, the challenge will be to navigate the heightened physicality and media scrutiny, while using her platform to elevate the league and her own legacy.
The WNBA’s future hinges on how it handles its stars—old and new—and how it ensures that the focus remains on the game, not just the narratives that the media creates around them. With players like Clark and Reese leading the way, the league has a chance to reach new heights. But it will require a shift in how the media covers its stars, ensuring that each athlete’s achievements are recognized for what they are: hard-earned and deserving of respect.
Conclusion: A New Era for the WNBA
Pat McAfee’s call-out of the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s rivalry marks a significant turning point for the league. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about how the media, the league, and the public shape the stories of the athletes who represent women’s sports. The fallout from this incident will be felt long after the final buzzer, and it will serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the world of professional women’s basketball. For now, the WNBA must decide: will it embrace the full story, or continue to let the narrative be dictated by the loudest voices in the room?
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