Caitlin Clark responds to critics in wake of controversial USA Today column

A controversial column from USA Today's Nancy Armour said that Clark's on-court behavior and alleged "flopping" was putting Black and queer WNBA players in danger. 

Clark, who has never shared political or controversial views of any kind, finally addressed the false characterization and the unfairness of the media toward her at times.

Caitlin Clark addresses false characterization and criticism

"I think a lot of it is like, it's not always based in reality," Clark told SiriusXM NBA Radio, alluding to the media's responsibility in controlling the narrative. "It's emotionally exhausting, it's draining, it makes your shoulders tense, because you know, people don't want to talk about the basketball, they want to stir it up and make it something else."

Clark also opened up about all the hate she's gotten on social media. While she admits she's always had thick skin, it's hard not to feel bad after reading some of the stuff out there:

"People forget like I have feelings... I feel things, I have emotions, I get emotional, I get frustrated, I get sad and I get upset," Clark added. " There's certainly days that are hard."

At the end of the day, pro athletes sign up for all the scrutiny when they decide to take this career path.

That said, there are so many assumptions about Clark's character and views without even giving her an opportunity to speak up and tell it as it is.

She's always kept it about basketball, and while some may not like how she carries herself on the court, people shouldn't make it about anything else.