Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark has been dealing with injuries throughout the season, resulting in her missing game action for the first time since high school. Now, Clark, who is unquestionably the biggest draw in the history of women’s basketball, is admitting the immense responsibility she feels to get back on the court as quickly as possible.
“It’s hard, because obviously I do feel this responsibility of being out there and playing,” she told WNBA legend Sue Bird’s in a guest appearance on Bird’s Bird’s Eye View podcast, according to Awful Announcing.
Clark admitted that even though she isn’t worried about the league’s popularity evaporation overnight without her, she feels as if she needs to be there for the fans who sacrifice so much to see her play.
“And not that I think there’s a fear of any of this going away. That doesn’t happen when like, LeBron or Steph get hurt. [Fans] are always going to be there,” Clark added.”But you do want to play, you want to give people something to cheer about or scream about.
“People spend so much time, and money, and resources to come and watch you play. And it’s been cool to see people continue to show up for my teammates, whether they’re fans of the Fever just fans of myself, they’re continuing to show up and support.”
Clark said it was only because of a text exchange with her mother that she realized she could take some time for herself.
“Early on with the first couple injuries, I was like, ‘I need to get back,’” she said. “But I think my mom texted after this last injury, and they know how hard it’s been on me, but my mom was like,’ You’ve taken so much time for everybody else, you have to take time for yourself now.’ So I’m just trying to do that the best I can, too.”
Fans reacted to Clark’s revelation on social media.
“She should sit out the rest of the season so that her teammates and the other hating competitors know what it’s like without her. She gets abused more than other players and the league lets it happen,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“She’s the female Dan Marino. Launch it from wherever. Will never win a championship,” someone else added.
“Caitlin Clark’s dedication is inspiring. Her commitment to the WNBA’s growth is commendable!” another fan added.
Hopefully, Clark can return at some point this season without any further hiccups.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.