New phenomenon of women's basketball, Caitlin Clark experienced his first big hazing against the Chicago Sky. Intimidated and especially pushed around, notably by Chennedy Carter who did not hesitate, with a shoulder blow, to send her to the ground, the Indiana player was shaken.
“It is what it is, and I'm at the stage where you have to accept it and not retaliate. I try not to let it bother me.” Caitlin Clark then commented, while her franchise prepared a video of the fouls received by her player since the start of the season.
How does Adam Silver observe this first controversy surrounding the new star of the NBA's sister?
“For a fan, it is not new that in basketball, there is hazing, especially for the rookies who are eagerly awaited,” judges the boss of the men's league. “Obviously I want Caitlin to be treated fairly, but she seems like she can take it. She's a badass. »
Rivalries will arise
Adam Silver even sees something beneficial in it. “Basically, I think it’s very healthy for women’s basketball and for the WNBA. This generates great interest,” continues the NBA leader. “To be fair to the other players and to Cathy Engelbert (the boss of the WNBA), it hasn't started this year, but it's definitely picking up speed with Caitlin. But there have been so many stars in recent years. »
The arrival of Caitlin Clark, who has been capturing all the limelight for several weeks, could give rise to rivalries with other players, which, again, is positive for Adam Silver. “I don’t want to make a big deal about a particular action”he said in reference to that of Chennedy Carter. “Emerging rivalries, between clubs or players, are a good thing for basketball. »
Even if Adam Silver acknowledges that there may be more at stake around Caitlin Clark…
“At the same time, there are also broader societal issues at work, no doubt. I don't want to hide it. Some of them are related to skin color and they are very visible. I think sport has always been a platform for people to speak directly about these issues. I don't think we should hide from it. Players are happy to engage on these issues – they are sophisticated people, but ultimately, let's let the public be part of these conversations.” he concludes.
