UConn HC Geno Auriemma rips into 'stupid' Caitlin Clark fans

Auriemma appeared on Peacock's "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday and discussed Clark's WNBA start, which has dominated the discourse surrounding the league.

Patrick asked Auriemma about his comment Tuesday at the UConn Coaches Road Show that Clark is "being targeted" by other players.
On Saturday, Sky forward Chennedy Carter's hard foul on Clark created an uproar that's ongoing five days later. 

As Auriemma sees it, Clark's fans are a big reason why she has such a huge mark on her back. 

"The delusional fanbase that follows her disrespected the WNBA players," said Auriemma. "She's third or fourth in betting odds on being MVP of the WNBA. These people are so disrespectful and so unknowledgeable and so stupid that it gives women's basketball a bad name," he added.

Along with the frustration of being slighted, Auriemma also argued three other points that make Clark a target to other WNBA players.

"This kid's on the wrong team, she's got the wrong skillset to handle the physicality of that league, and she's a rookie. And if you're a WNBA player, if you're any kind of player, you're gonna say, 'I'm gonna make a statement,'" he said.

Auriemma makes fair arguments. The Fever (2-9) have the league's second-worst record, and with Clark's shooting being her specialty, she's never had to be stronger or more physical than her opponents to dominate.

In a competitive environment, it makes sense other players would exploit her weaknesses as a rookie. 

When asked how he feels Clark has handled the rigors of the WNBA, Auriemma praised the former Iowa star, noting at least one area she can already hold her own.

"I think she's handling it great," he said. "I think she talks a lot of s---. And she gets a lot of s--- back. So she deserves everything she gets because she gives it as good as she gets it."