Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy took aim at the WNBA over the weekend, calling it “truly the least serious league that has ever existed.” This is in response to controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark.
Portnoy’s criticism came after CNN Sports published an excerpt from Christine Brennan’s upcoming book, On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports. The piece recounted a tense exchange between Brennan and Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington. Who was questioned about a September 2024 play that injured Clark.
Read More: ESPN’s Caitlin Clark Take Backfires After Fever Loss to Sparks
Portnoy Says WNBA Overreacted to Journalism, Not Racism
During a media session at Mohegan Sun Arena, Brennan asked Carrington if she intentionally struck Clark in the eye during a game. Carrington denied intent. But the moment escalated when teammate DeWanna Bonner accused Brennan of disrespect. The WNBA Players Association issued a harsh statement, calling the exchange “baiting” and alleging media bias.
Portnoy sided with Brennan and blasted the league for what he saw as an overreaction to a fair journalistic question. He also criticized the WNBA for opening an investigation into alleged racism toward Angel Reese. Further arguing the league was prioritizing image control over accountability.
A WNBA official, speaking privately to Brennan, added fuel to the fire. She said many players “have zero idea what real media exposure is… they’ve been shielded at college.” Further hinting at a broader struggle between professional expectations and athlete preparedness.
Despite the backlash, several journalists, including CNN’s Jake Tapper, The Poynter Report’s Tom Jones, and Boston Globe columnist Tara Sullivan, defended Brennan’s approach. They argued that treating Caitlin Clark and her peers with journalistic rigor is essential if women’s sports are to be taken as seriously as men’s.
Portnoy, a longtime vocal supporter of Clark, continues to use his platform to challenge league decisions and spark debate. Especially when he feels star players like Clark are being mishandled by the very league that benefits from their rise.
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