Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Pat McAfee apologizes for 'descriptor' of Caitlin Clark

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 3, 2024 9:10 PM ET

There has been a ton of talk about the WNBA lately and how Caitlin Clark's arrival has led to the rise of increased interest from fans.

That's, of course, not giving credit to a stellar rookie class of WNBA stars which includes Angel Reese and Cameron Brink. Their star power in college has undoubtedly transferred to the WNBA, but without a doubt, Clark is the straw that has been stirring the drink.

The superstardom she acquired while at Iowa combined with her must-see style of play has made the Indiana Fever, who took her No. 1 overall, quite the draw.

That's what fans of Clark say, at least, but Pat McAfee took his fandom of the Fever guard a bit too far on Monday.

"I would like the media people that continue to say, 'This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class,'" McAfee said. Nah, just call it for what it is — there's one white b---- for the Indiana team who is a superstar."

Considering the fight for equality of coverage and popularity for women's sports, McAfee undoubtedly used a derogatory term for Clark.

McAfee quickly apologized for his comments in a follow-up on social media.

"I shouldn’t have used 'white b----' as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark," McAfee said. "No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening.. I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe."

"My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize… I have sent an apology to Caitlin as well. Everything else I said… still alllllll facts."

It's also worth noting that not everybody seems to agree that the WNBA is all "the Caitlin Clark show". In fact, Reese just reminded the media that fans are tuning in to also watch her.

Whatever it may be, the WNBA had a wonderful first week back as it was reported that the league saw a 14 percent increase in attendance over last year.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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