WNBA Champ Natasha Cloud Calls Out Caitlin Clark Foul Outrage as 'Racism'

WNBA champion Natasha Cloud has stirred up a heated conversation, accusing some fans of racism in their response to fouls committed against basketball star Caitlin Clark last season. Speaking on the "Pivot Podcast" hosted by Ryan Clark, Cloud didn’t hold back when addressing the backlash that erupted over several physical plays targeting Clark.

Cloud, who revealed she once lost a tooth in a game collision, dismissed the outrage over hits on Clark as part of a broader issue. She stated, "It’s just a part of the game. There was no targeting, no vendetta. That narrative that vets hate rookies, or that certain players are being singled out—it’s all bulls---. What it is, is racism."

The incidents in question include a June 1 illegal hip check on Clark by Chicago Sky forward Chennedy Carter, a June 16 arm strike by Angel Reese, and a flagrant foul by Diamond DeShields on August 31 that sent Clark sprawling. Additionally, in a September playoff game, DiJonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun left Clark with a black eye after a physical poke. Despite these moments, Cloud emphasized that Clark, as one of the league's top players, was simply being defended the way any franchise player would be.

Cloud also took aim at the influx of new WNBA fans, questioning their motives. "The craziness that came with the new fandom was rooted in something other than fandom," she said. "In a lot of ways, it has not been about basketball." She’s not alone in her opinion; other prominent figures like Angel Reese and WNBA legend Sue Bird have also labeled some of Clark’s fans as pushing racist agendas rather than genuinely supporting the sport.

However, not everyone views Clark’s polarizing fanbase the same way. USC basketball star JuJu Watkins, who could potentially surpass Clark’s NCAA scoring record, expressed optimism. Watkins told Fox News Digital, "It’s great for the sport. The fact that people are watching is enough in itself." She added, "We would like it to be positive, but it’s not always going to be like that. Raising viewership is what’s important." Watkins even welcomed the idea of winning over Clark’s controversial fans, saying, "I love supporters, and I also love haters. It’s all part of the game."

The debate serves as a reminder of the complexities that come with increased visibility in sports. While new fans can help the WNBA grow, the baggage they bring can also spark uncomfortable conversations—ones that Cloud and her peers seem ready to confront.