Caitlyn Clark, recently named Time’s Athlete of the Year, has sparked a whirlwind of controversy following her interview where she acknowledged the racial privilege she experiences as a white player in the predominantly Black WNBA. While some praised her honesty, others, including Megyn Kelly, criticized her for what they perceived as an unnecessary admission of guilt. Amid the backlash, Candace Owens has come to Clark’s defense, offering a strong rebuttal to Kelly’s remarks, while also questioning the broader reaction to Clark’s comments.

In her interview, Clark stated, “I want to say I’ve earned everything, but as a white person, there’s a privilege.” This remark has ignited a firestorm. Some have commended her for recognizing racial inequality in the sport and society, while others argue that she was giving in to cultural pressure and sacrificing her authenticity. The debate intensified after Kelly’s criticism, accusing Clark of “self-flagellating” and apologizing unnecessarily for being white. Kelly argued that Clark’s acknowledgment of racial privilege insulted Black players who have been overlooked despite their contributions to the league.

Enter Candace Owens, who offered a surprising defense of Clark. In a pointed commentary, Owens criticized the double standards imposed on athletes, especially young women in the public eye like Clark. She noted that at just 22 years old, Clark should be allowed to grow, evolve, and express her perspectives without being scrutinized harshly for having “the wrong opinions” at one point in her life. Owens also underscored the immense pressure Clark faces, not just on the court but from public expectations, and emphasized that she had been “bullied physically” for being a white player in a league where many feel the spotlight should be on Black athletes.

Owens went on to assert that Clark’s comments were not about politics or identity but rather a strategic move to navigate the pressures of the WNBA. “Caitlyn just wants to survive and play basketball without becoming a political pawn,” Owens argued, pointing out that Clark’s primary focus has always been her sport, not divisive debates. The narrative surrounding her was often shaped by others, some of whom have used her to further their own agendas.

The conversation surrounding Clark’s rise has also caught the attention of other public figures, like David Portnoy of Barstool Sports, who also came out in her defense. Portnoy dismissed the notion that Clark’s success was due to her white privilege, instead pointing to her exceptional talent as the real reason behind her meteoric rise. He argued that Clark’s success is due to her skill and hard work, not her race, adding that her achievements are being misrepresented by those eager to politicize her success.

However, the debate isn’t limited to public figures. Cheryl Swoops, a WNBA legend, questioned the criteria for naming Clark Athlete of the Year, acknowledging her great performance but raising concerns about whether her influence outside the game played a role in her win. Swoops’ comments reflect the ongoing tension in the WNBA regarding Clark’s prominence. While some players have expressed frustration over her media coverage, others recognize her as a transformative figure for the sport.

Ultimately, the controversy around Caitlyn Clark highlights the complexities of being a young athlete at the intersection of race, sports, and societal expectations. As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: Clark’s influence reaches far beyond the basketball court. Whether praised or criticized, her journey reflects a broader conversation about identity, recognition, and the pressure on athletes to represent more than just their sport.

As Candace Owens aptly stated, Clark deserves the space to grow and the grace to make mistakes, just as every other person has had the opportunity to do in their own journey. It’s time to appreciate her for what she does best—play exceptional basketball—without reducing her to a political statement.