Megyn Kelly hits out at Caitlin Clark after she acknowledged 'white privilege' in basketball

Caitlin Clark, widely recognized as one of the brightest stars in women's basketball, has captivated fans with her extraordinary skills and on-court dominance.

However, her recent Time Magazine Athlete of the Year interview has sparked controversy, bringing issues of race and privilege into the spotlight.

While Clark's remarks were meant to honor the contributions of black athletes to the sport, not everyone interpreted her comments as intended.

In the interview, Clark discussed her unprecedented rise in women's basketball, acknowledging the privilege she believes her race has afforded her.

"I want to say I've earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege," she told Time. "A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been black players.

"This league has kind of been built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it's very important.

"I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate black women, that's going to be a beautiful thing."

A Divisive Reaction to Clark's Comments

Media personality Megyn Kelly was among those who took issue with Clark's remarks, calling them unnecessary and disingenuous.

"Look at this," Kelly posted on X. "[Clark]'s on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention.

"The self-flagellation. The 'oh [please] pay attention to the black players who are REALLY the ones you want to celebrate.' Condescending. Fake. Transparent. Sad."

Clark's comments, however, were meant to acknowledge the impact of black athletes who paved the way for the league's current success.

She frequently cites basketball legends such as Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, and Maya Moore as inspirations, emphasizing their importance in shaping the game.

Despite this, the debate underscores a broader tension. As women's basketball continues to grow in prominence - breaking records in television viewership, ticket sales, and sponsorships - the conversation surrounding race and representation has intensified.

Clark's rise to fame has not only amplified these conversations but also placed her at the intersection of a rapidly evolving sport.

Clark's Influence on the WNBA

Clark has been pivotal in driving the WNBA's soaring popularity, making her comments particularly influential.

While she has steered clear of political controversies in the past, her remarks have reignited the narrative surrounding race in women's basketball.

"I tell people I feel like the most controversial person," Clark itted in her Time interview. "But I am not. It's just because of all the storylines that surround me."

The supposed rivalry between Clark and LSU's Angel Reese has also contributed to the ongoing dialogue.

Their NCAA championship encounter and Reese's now-iconic gesture highlighted the cultural and racial undertones that often accompany women's basketball discussions.

Caitlin Clark remains an influential figure both on and off the court, but her comments reflect a complex balancing act.

While some celebrate her acknowledgment of privilege and efforts to uplift others, critics argue it diverts attention from her exceptional talent.