“Damned if she does, damned if she don’t!” WNBA billionaire owner gets moment of silence for Caitlin Clark diss

NBA Legend Matt Barnes came out in support of Caitlin Clark following controversy over Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson's comments.

“Damned if she does, damned if she don’t!” WNBA billionaire owner gets moment of silence for Caitlin Clark diss

Matt Barnes comes in support of Caitlin Clark after Mystics Owner's comments

The recent naming of Caitlin Clark as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024 has been a spark plug for a firestorm of controversy, especially in the WNBA. Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson took issue with Clark being featured solo on the cover, arguing that the entire WNBA deserved the spotlight instead, prompting a response from NBA legend Matt Barnes.

Johnson’s critique comes in the wake of Clark’s exceptional rookie season with the Indiana Fever, a year marked by record-breaking performances and even more fan engagement. Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast with co-host Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes called out Sheila Johnson and the ensuing discourse in the WNBA surrounding the success of Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin has done everything you’re supposed to do and has been criticized along every step of the way. She’s damned if she does, and damned if she doesn’t… Instead of downplaying what she’s brought, enjoy the ride and do everything to show why the WNBA deserves this attention.

Matt Barnes said on All the Smoke podcast

While some have hailed Clark’s recognition as a boon for women’s basketball, Johnson emphasized that the WNBA’s success is not the result of a single player. Barnes called out this sentiment for being unfounded and objectively woeful, in his criticism of Johnson.

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Let’s take a second right now to have a moment of silence for Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who suggested that the WNBA as a whole should have been on the cover of Time Magazine instead of just Caitlin Clark, who graced the cover last week, which is some of the stupidest s**t I’ve ever heard.

Matt Barnes added

As Barnes emphasized, Caitlin Clark’s influence is undeniable. Her games consistently draw record-breaking crowds. For instance, the Mystics averaged a home attendance of 6,541.50 in 2024, but this number soared to 20,522 when Clark played in Washington. As Barnes would say, she’s the ‘golden goose’ of the WNBA.

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Reggie Miller backs up Caitlin Clark amidst criticism

As the controversy unfolded, HOF’er and Indiana legend Reggie Miller weighed in, offering his support for Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Miller, who played his entire career with the Indiana Pacers, expressed excitement about Clark’s future with the Fever and the arrival of new head coach Stephanie White.

LOVE the attention to details, really believe Coach Stephanie White will unlock even more of @caitlinclark22’s game. Excited for my @indianafever

Reggie Miller wrote on an Instagram story

Reggie Miller’s comments accompanied a Fever post showcasing Clark in her first workout with White, hinting at their potential as a dynamic duo for the upcoming season. Caitlin Clark’s rookie season already set a high bar, and with White’s leadership, expectations for her sophomore year are even greater.

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White, who won WNBA Coach of the Year honors in 2023 with the Connecticut Sun, brings a track record of success that aligns well with Clark’s competitive spirit and versatility. Reggie Miller’s endorsement is rooted in his own storied career in Indiana, as one of the greatest Indiana Pacers players of all time.