Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
'Just Admit They Hate White People': Jemele Hill, WNBA Media Slammed By Tomi Lahren For Racism Takes During Brittney Griner, Caitlin Clark Issue
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark (left) and sports journalist Jemele Hill (right). Photo credits: Imagn images

Sports analyst Jemele Hill got blasted by one conservative commentator, particularly due to her recent comments on the supposed rivalry issue between WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

In one of her recent videos , American conservative commentator and broadcaster Tomi Lahren gave her honest thoughts on analyst Jemele Hill, and how she gave thoughts on the issue surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

“So, I’m just going to say it: the WNBA is racist,” Lahren said. “I think it’s pretty obvious in the laundry list of evidence just keeps growing. Most noticeably, it’s the ongoing mistreatment of Caitlin Clark and the hostage statements she’s been all forced to put out apologizing for being white and, well, let’s be honest, being better than the black girls in the league.”

“All this to say, the WNBA is racist, and so are the so-called sports media journalists such as Jemele Hill, who perpetuate false narratives and race hustling BS because they’re not ballsy enough to just admit they hate white people,” Lahrne added. “The WNBA is a joke. And even with Clark carrying the league on her shoulders, it still sucks and will go back into oblivion soon.”

Jemele Hill Defends Angel Reese Amid WNBA Rivalry Narratives

Jemele Hill recently addressed the ongoing debate surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, emphasizing that Reese should not be cast as the antagonist in Clark’s story. Speaking on her “Spolitics” podcast, Hill dissected the controversy sparked by Clark’s flagrant foul and the subsequent media frenzy.

Hill criticized Robert Griffin III’s assertion that Reese harbors personal animosity toward Clark, arguing that such claims lack substance. Hill pointed out that Reese has openly expressed frustration over not receiving enough credit for her role in elevating women’s basketball, a sentiment shared by many Black athletes.


May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) in the first half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

She also highlighted the broader issue of racial dynamics in sports, noting that Black players like Reese and A’ja Wilson often face greater scrutiny and fewer marketing opportunities compared to their white counterparts. She referenced past statements from Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum acknowledging the privilege they benefit from as white athletes.

Hill argued that Reese’s unapologetic personality and confidence make her a target for criticism, despite her significant contributions to the game. She urged sports fans to recognize the double standards applied to Black athletes and to appreciate Reese’s impact without unnecessary controversy.


FACT CHECK: Angel Reese Dissed LeBron James' Photo With Caitlin Clark Using Michael Jordan 3 Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.

Jemele Hill concluded by reaffirming that Angel Reese is not the villain in Caitlin Clark’s story, and that the focus should remain on the growth of women’s basketball rather than divisive narratives. Jemele Hill’s commentary serves as a reminder of the importance of fair representation in sports discussions.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Kate Martin Suffers Setback After Valkyries' 16th Win
WNBA

Kate Martin Suffers Setback After Valkyries' 16th Win

Kate Martin and the Golden State Valkyries improved to 16-15 on the 2025 WNBA season thanks to a 74-57 win over the Connecticut Sun on Monday night. Now, the Valkyries will look forward to Wednesday's game, traveling across the country to face the Washington Mystics. During Monday's win, Martin was forced to leave the game with just 26 seconds left after going down in some serious pain. The former Iowa Hawkeyes guard did not return, but was able to limp off the court under her own power. On Tuesday, Golden State released its initial injury report for the Washington matchup and Martin was listed as questionable. Not because of a leg injury, but due to a back issue, per WNBA reporter Kareem Copeland. Martin has remained relatively healthy during the Valkyries' inaugural season, only missing two games. In the 29 she's played, Martin is averaging 6.0 points on 31.4% and 2.4 rebounds, all career highs. But Martin wasn't the only Valkyries player on the injury list for Wednesday's matchup. Forward Monique Billings, who has missed the previous six games, remains out with a right ankle issue, while forward Kayla Thornton (knee) is out for the rest of the season. The Mystics also have some injury trouble. Shakira Austin is questionable with leg soreness, while Georgia Amoore, who suffered an ACL injury before the season began, remains out. Following the Washington game, Martin and the Valkyries will finish out a two-game road trip on Friday, facing Kamilla Cardoso and the Chicago Sky.

Former crew chief frustrated by the 'ridiculous' racing at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

Former crew chief frustrated by the 'ridiculous' racing at Watkins Glen

It is no secret that NASCAR's current road-course package has not been very good. Aside from the mile-and-a-half tracks that were once the least competitive and exciting in the series, those races are the rare bright spot for the Next Gen Car since its inception in 2022. Shane van Gisbergen drove away to an 11.1-second win over Christopher Bell in Sunday's race at Watkins Glen and set multiple records in the process. While the racing was not particularly exciting, that was not what left former crew chief and current analyst Steve Letarte frustrated the most following the weekend. A recurring issue in each race over the weekend was drivers utilizing the runoff areas around the track and not staying on the traditional racing surface, which ultimately led to some crashes in Saturday's Xfinity race. "So, I hate track limits that have to be officiated," Letarte said on "Inside the Race." "Because I like tracks that you should just stay on the track. I didn't think it mattered. Now, I am team get-them-back-on-the-race-track-at-Watkins-Glen. I don't love the Watkins Glen that I see. ... I think Turn 1 is not as great of a corner with no exit respect or responsibility. You just blow the exit. I think the carousel is a much easier corner, being able to just go driver's left. "I also think Turn 6 is going — let me add, that I think the (Connor) Zilisch, SVG wreck between the last two corners (in the Xfinity Series race) happened because they left the track, and the Austin Hill wreck with Michael McDowell happened off the race track. Now, both could have been avoided, we can talk about who's at fault. What I'm saying is, I've never driven a lap at Watkins Glen. I can analyze what happens between the white lines." This comes one year after rumble strips were placed in Turn 1 to keep drivers from using the runoff area, and that clearly has not worked. As the field has got closer together, using up all the track has become a common way for drivers to establish momentum, especially as they prepare for the right-hander going into The Esses at Watkins Glen. The bottom line is NASCAR's road-racing product needs to get better and Letarte wants to see race cars "stay on the race track because I think it will be a better race." Van Gisbergen's historic dominance certainly does not help, but the overall road course product is not great. Whether NASCAR makes some changes to the runoff areas and enforces track limits remains to be seen, but that still may not be the biggest issue if the racing does not improve.

2 Steelers first-stringers in danger of losing starting jobs ahead of 2025 NFL season
NFL

2 Steelers first-stringers in danger of losing starting jobs ahead of 2025 NFL season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a different look and a different feel coming into the 2025 season after bringing in Aaron Rodgers as their new starting quarterback. Poor QB play has haunted Mike Tomlin and company throughout the last few years ever since Ben Roethlisberger left his prime, and they are hoping that Rodgers helps fix that issue. While the future Hall-of-Famer is firmly cemented as the team’s starting quarterback, there are some other positions on the roster that are still up for grabs as the preseason rages on and Tomlin finalizes what his lineup for Week 1. The Steelers also brought in DK Metcalf in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, giving Rodgers a true No. 1 option to throw the ball to. They also offloaded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in a separate trade, leaving that second wide receiver spot there for the taking. The Steelers also lost Najee Harris this offseason, making Jaylen Warren the presumed featured back. However, that spot could be in jeopardy as well if the returning running back isn’t careful. Earlier in training camp, the Steelers released their first unofficial depth chart of the season. Here are two players who showed up as starters in that release that could get caught for those spots in the coming weeks. RB Jaylen Warren Jaylen Warren has been splitting carries and touches with Najee Harris over the last couple of years, but with Harris gone he seemed destined to be the featured back for Tomlin and company. Not so fast. Insert former Iowa superstar Kaleb Johnson, who the Steelers drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That was maybe a bit later than many expected Johnson to be selected after his spectacular 2024 season with the Hawkeyes, but that also means there is a chance that the Steelers got a steal. It won’t be easy to take the job from Warren, who does a lot of things well and can positively impact the offense both in the running game and as a receiver. In his three seasons in Pittsburgh, Warren has amassed 2,568 yards and six touchdowns. He has great burst but also solid power in between the tackles and runs very low to the ground, making it difficult to bring him down. However, Warren’s size makes it somewhat difficult to envision him being a true workhorse back, which could open the door for Johnson to become a bellcow on early downs. At 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, the rookie is a much bigger back who is built to withstand the rigors of getting a lot of touches every week. That was on full display at Iowa last season, when Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in both categories despite playing in an offense that offered no threat through the air. If it weren’t for the spectacular season of Ashton Jeanty at Boise State, Johnson could have garnered more recognition for awards at the end of the season. Johnson looked a step slow in his preseason debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he still has the ability to become the main back on early downs for Tomlin and company before too long. WR Calvin Austin III This comes with a bit of a caveat that the Steelers list just two starting wide receivers on their depth chart along with two tight ends, which leaves room for a third wideout that could be a potential “starter” in Arthur Smith’s offense. Austin is listed as the second starter alongside DK Metcalf, but Smith could opt to go with veteran Robert Woods in certain situations and make Austin more of a third slot wide receiver. The primary reason for this is that Woods has built a reputation as one of the best run blockers in football at his position. Smith loves to run the football, and the Steelers project to have one of the highest run rates in the league this coming season. Woods doesn’t have the same juice as a receiver that he once did, but he could see the field more one early downs and in neutral situations while Smith looks to get the most he can out of his run game. Austin is also dealing with an injury during the preseason that has held him out of practice, which could hurt him in getting to 100% by the time the regular season starts. Still, Austin will be a big part of the offense when he does get healthy. He is one of the most explosive players on the team and gives the Steelers a big-play threat that can take the top off the defense at any time. Now that Pittsburgh should have its best quarterback play during Austin’s career, he could have a lot more big plays coming his way in the near future.

New Raiders DB Terrell Edmunds On Joining The Squad, Pete Carroll Ideology, And Learning The Playbook
NFL

New Raiders DB Terrell Edmunds On Joining The Squad, Pete Carroll Ideology, And Learning The Playbook

Recently signed Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Terrell Edmunds is wasting no time making his mark—learning Patrick Graham’s playbook, embracing Pete Carroll’s high-energy culture, and competing every snap. When Edmunds walked into the Raiders’ facility for the first time, he knew he was already behind in one way—the rest of the defensive backs had been in the building since April. But instead of dwelling on the gap, the veteran safety embraced a mindset that has defined his career: be a sponge, be coachable, and outwork everyone. The Raiders got themselves some versatility with Terrell Edmunds… Edmunds, a former first-round pick with years of NFL starting experience, is fully committed to Patrick Graham’s defense. His versatility makes him ready to play at any position. Whether it’s at the safety spot or anywhere else, Edmunds can line up wherever the coaches want him to. “Wherever they want me to go, I just go out there and help out the best way I can,” he said. That method also works for the game’s mental side. Although every playbook contains concepts that are easy to understand, Edmunds recognizes that success relies on understanding the specific needs of this system. The first stage is to gain the trust of your teammates and coaches. The second step is to play quickly and without hesitation. What did he do? He stayed in the building, studied diligently, and sought help from his teammates when necessary. “Nothing for me to do at the hotel anyway,” he joked. Edmunds has also been quick to notice Pete Carroll’s fingerprints on the culture in Las Vegas. Having played for multiple storied coaches, he calls Carroll’s style “unique”—a blend of high energy, constant competition, and relentless positivity. Whether jogging the length of the practice field or leading energetic drills, Carroll has an unmistakable tone. One recent example: a tip-ball competition at practice where Edmunds came up short. The loss didn’t bother him—the message did. Compete every day. Be ready. Bring energy. That’s precisely what Carroll, a former DB coach himself, has told Edmunds he wants to see: speed, energy, and adaptability in the system. For Edmunds, this season represents a new chapter with familiar expectations: work hard, earn trust, and allow performance to speak for itself on Sundays. If initial impressions hold true, the Raiders’ secondary has become tougher, smarter, and significantly more competitive. Now, we will see if this unit can deliver when it counts.