WNBA News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Jun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

'Players Getting Death Threats On Her Behalf': Caitlin Clark Called Out For Nike Slogan By A’ja Wilson’s Friend For ‘Embrace The Hate’ Marketing Promotion

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 8:30 AM ET

X is ablaze after a fan-made poster featuring Caitlin Clark in her Nike gear with the slogan “Embrace the hate” is now at the center of a viral backlash. What started as a confident tagline has turned into a heated debate.

“This is so tone deaf and nasty,” Michael McManus wrote, a known friend of A’ja Wilson. “I’m sorry, but I can’t get behind this or her. Players getting death threats daily on her behalf. Men calling Black women haters on her behalf. Racists using slurs at games on her behalf. Embrace the hate.”

Nothing yet coming from the Caitlin Clark camp. But with how this is starting to spread like wildfire, this is bound to be addressed soon. This isn’t an official Nike release, but with her likeness and image on it, it’s like an awkward conversation that she started without actually starting it.

For some, Caitlin Clark’s popularity continues to fuel tension across fan bases. For others, it’s the missteps like this that add fuel to the fire. And for Clark, fair or not, her name is again in the middle of a cultural storm she may not have asked for.

The Caitlin Clark effect has brought visibility to the league. But with that comes responsibility, and moments like these show just how loud the noise around her has become.

Caitlin Clark to Be Coached by Cheryl Reeve in All‑Star Game

Cheryl Reeve bringing Caitlin Clark into Team East’s huddle just adds another layer to All‑Star intrigue.

Reeve, who leads the Minnesota Lynx and owns four championship rings, will coach Clark’s squad at the All‑Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19. For Caitlin Clark, teaming up with one of the league’s most respected coaches is a chance to sharpen her tools and raise her game even more.

Jun 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve answers questions from the media before the game with the Los Angeles Sparks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve recently addressed the ongoing talk about how physical the league has been with Clark—and didn’t mince words:

“I don’t believe Caitlin Clark is targeted in any way. It’s a great player. You’re going to get a team’s best efforts…” 

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Gets Jabbed For Having Three All-Stars By Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve. Photo credits: Imagn

That says a lot about how Reeve views Caitlin Clark: a player worthy of elite attention and not controversy.

This All‑Star pairing could be a game-changer. Caitlin Clark gets the rare chance to study under Reeve’s winning playbook while also showing what she can do with a stacked roster. It’s an opportunity to compete and to learn from the best at the same time.

It’s still All‑Star weekend, but for Caitlin Clark, this is also about growth, credibility, and building her identity on the court in real-time.

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

More must-reads: