On an episode of *The View*, Sunny Hostin sparked controversy when she suggested that Caitlin Clark’s remarkable success was not only due to her talent, but also due to her “privileges of race, appearance, and height.” Hostin noted that Caitlin Clark was favored because she was “white, beautiful, and tall” – factors that made her more visible than other athletes. Hostin also criticized that women’s basketball does not receive the same love and support as men’s basketball, and cited the case of Britney Griner to make her point.
**Sunny Hostin’s main points:**
1. Hostin believes that Griner, a black LGBTQ+ athlete, had to play in Russia to make money because the WNBA did not pay her enough. This, she said, reflects racism and sexism.
2. Hostin asserts that Clark is more easily recognized because she fits an image that the public finds “approachable,” in contrast to Griner and many other athletes in the WNBA.
3. She believes that Caitlin Clark, with her “straight and white” appearance, is seen as a more “relatable” role model, which gives her an advantage in attracting sponsorships and attention.
### LeBron James responds:
LeBron James has strongly defended Caitlin Clark, calling Hostin’s comments unfair and disrespectful of Clark’s true talent. He emphasized that:
– **Caitlin Clark has proven herself through records and achievements:**
– Becoming the highest scorer in NCAA history, surpassing Pete Maravich’s long-standing record of 3,667 points.
– In his first season in the WNBA, Clark set several records, including double-doubles, triple-doubles, and assists.
– He was the first rookie in WNBA history to record more than 350 points and 150 assists in a single season.
– **Clark’s impact on the WNBA:**
– Clark’s games drew an average of 1.2 million viewers – three times the WNBA average.
– Attendance increased from an average of 8,500 per game to 16,000 per game when Clark played.
Major changes in the WNBA, such as the first use of chartered planes, were largely due to Clark’s charisma.
LeBron James also compared Clark’s journey to his own. He recalls the pressure and criticism she faced when she first entered the NBA, and encourages Clark to stay strong, enjoy the game, and not let the controversy overshadow her talent.
### Caitlin Clark’s Great Contribution:
Clark has not only transformed the WNBA, but has also opened a new chapter for women’s basketball in general. Her achievements:
1. **Inspiration:**
Clark is a role model for millions of young girls who dream of a professional basketball career.
2. **Economic Impact:**
Clark has not only brought in ticket and sponsorship revenue, but has also helped raise the profile of the WNBA globally.
3. **Changing Perceptions:**
Like Michael Jordan with the NBA or Serena Williams with tennis, Clark is transforming women’s basketball into a more attractive sport both professionally and commercially.
### What the debate means:
Sunny Hostin’s comments raise questions about how society views women’s success in sports, especially when they are white compared to minority athletes. However, Caitlin Clark’s numbers and accomplishments make it clear that her success cannot be summed up in the concept of “privilege”.
LeBron James emphasized: this is a time for everyone to celebrate and support women’s basketball, instead of creating unnecessary controversy. With the emergence of Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has the opportunity to enter a “golden era” where real talent is recognized and women’s basketball becomes the center of attention.
