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See the full story · 1 sources‘Caitlin Clark Owes Nobody’ – Analyst Defends Fever Star Against Backlash for Not Weighing In on Sophie Cunningham Trans-Athlete Drama
Caitlin Clark faced criticism from some sections of the media after she declined to weigh in on the transgender-athlete debate recently.
However, sports analyst Colin Cowherd believes that the Indiana Fever superstar has every right to not take a definitive side on such a controversial topic.
Colin Cowherd Defends Caitlin Clark Amid Trans-Athlete Drama in WNBA
Clark’s Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham sparked a nationwide debate by arguing that trans athletes should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. In the wake of her comments, Clark was asked to share her thoughts, but refused to delve into the issue.
The 24-year-old emphasized that it was up to sports leagues and governing bodies to make decisions on these matters, adding that she wants to focus on basketball.
Cowherd discussed Clark’s comments on the latest episode of “ The Herd .” The analyst weighed in on the criticism the three-time WNBA All-Star has received from some media members for not making her stance public.
“If you’re an athlete, you can’t win. LeBron [James] and Aaron Rodgers dipped their toe in the pool with politics. They get crushed. Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods say, ‘Nah! Pass,” and they get crushed. So where’s the win?” Cowherd said.
Cowherd further noted that Clark owed no one in the media any answers and added that the decision on whether she should take a definitive side should lie with her.
“Caitlin Clark owes nobody in the media an assist for a game she didn’t choose to play. Politics is divisive, it is a shark tank,” Cowherd said.
Comparing the contrasting approaches taken by Cunningham and Clark on the matter, Cowherd said he had no issue with either opinion.
“I don’t look for athletes for political acumen. I don’t believe in ‘shut up and dribble.’ But I also don’t believe in speak up and dribble for everybody… I have no problem with Sophie Cunningham’s opinion and no problem with Caitlin Clark passing up a shot,” he added.
MORE: U.S. Representative Questions Why ‘Protecting Women’ Is Controversial Amid Sophie Cunningham’s Trans-Athlete Drama
Meanwhile, Cunningham has received a mix of praise and backlash for her comments. There have been rallies outside Fever games, with fans and critics turning out to express their take on Cunningham’s stance. The rallies took place outside arenas in Portland, Seattle, and Minnesota last week, and are expected to continue in Indiana and Chicago this week.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
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