WNBA reporter facing backlash over Caitlin Clark incident

WNBA reporter Roberta Rodrigues shared her thoughts about the Clark-Hayes incident on X on Monday. She compared what the Valkyries guard is going through to what then-Chicago Sky star Chennedy Carter experienced in 2024.

“For some reason it feels like they are trying to do to Tiffany Hayes what they did to Chennedy Carter in 2024,” Rodriguez wrote.

Carter drew backlash from Clark’s fans in June 2024 when she dropped the then-rookie to the floor with a shoulder hit. Many believe it led to her being blackballed by the WNBA last season. No team signed her despite a strong 2024 run and a standout campaign in China during the WNBA offseason.

Carter has since returned to the league. She signed a training camp deal with the Las Vegas Aces on April 15 and made the final roster.

Fans scrutinize WNBA reporter over Caitlin Clark-Tifanny Hayes altercation

As for Rodrigues’ strong take, fans on social media made it very clear that they are not happy about it.

“Feels like you are gaslighting CC as tho she is the one inflicting physical harm or emotional harm on the WNBA players.  Tread lightly with your accusations and don’t throw stones from glass houses Roberta,” a user wrote on X.

“How are you flipping this? The behavior OF THE PLAYER was/is WRONG and dumb. If CC commented the same, your post would be different. Her putting the safety of blk women in jeopardy needs to be addressed immediately,” posted another.

“So.. reverse the situation if CC liked and commented on a social media post to inflict harm on another player you as media would be ok with that?” a reaction read.

“Aren’t you the same id*ot that called Clark a ‘white teenage boy.’  Now you have actual written proof of hate comments against Clark, and THIS is your reaction?  I’m not normally for censorship, but if anyone deserves it, you deserve a ban from all W games and facilities,” one fan commented.

“Sit this one out Roberta!! Hold people accountable because if CC did this, ya’ll would be calling for her to be fined, suspended, and or kick out of the league. This is basketball,” a viewer said.

“Trying to do?  You mean what they did to themselves by being insanely stupid and hateful towards CC.  I know which side you would be on. Typical,” another reactor wrote.

Rodrigues is a prominent Brazilian-American women’s basketball reporter. She writes for Forbes and founded Beta Basket, which is a platform dedicated to women’s basketball fans in Brazil.