A controversy has erupted in the WNBA offseason, with Caitlin Clark once again at the center of it. The rookie sensation has found herself entangled in another heated situation, this time involving a video shared by her teammate, NaLyssa Smith, and Smith’s girlfriend, DiJonai Carrington. The video has reignited tensions between Clark and Smith, despite the belief that any previous conflicts had been resolved.
Sports commentator Jason Whitlock weighed in on the situation during a discussion on his YouTube channel. Whitlock commented on the Indiana Fever’s handling of the situation, claiming the team was “worried about getting sued by NaLyssa Smith,” which is why they were playing it safe and keeping things professional with her. He expressed frustration, saying, “It doesn’t matter what NaLyssa Smith does. She can mock our meal ticket, the best player in the league.”
The controversy stems from a video in which Smith and Carrington, who plays for the Connecticut Sun, appeared to mock Caitlin Clark. In the clip, Carrington reenacts an eye-poke incident that occurred during Game 1 of the playoffs, while Smith laughs along. What was intended as a playful moment quickly escalated into a larger controversy.
The incident in question took place during a September playoff game where the Connecticut Sun defeated the Fever 93-69. Both Carrington and Clark later downplayed the eye-poke incident, claiming it was unintentional and that Carrington had been reaching for the ball. However, Whitlock remains skeptical, criticizing the playful video and its implications.
Whitlock further emphasized that Smith’s fame largely stems from being Caitlin Clark’s teammate on the Indiana Fever. He suggested that if Smith played for another team, she wouldn’t enjoy the same level of recognition. “No one would even know her name, NaLyssa Smith, if she played on any of the other 11 teams,” Whitlock asserted.
Smith, drafted as the second overall pick in 2022, has had a solid career, but Whitlock suggested that much of her notoriety comes from being associated with Clark, who is widely considered a rising star in women’s basketball. He suggested that Smith should be grateful to Clark for the attention she brings to the team and the league.
Whitlock didn’t stop there, accusing Smith of lacking appreciation for Clark, whom he referred to as the “meal ticket” for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA. He criticized Smith for showing no gratitude toward Clark, despite benefiting from the increased visibility Clark has brought to the team. “Instead of expressing gratitude for being part of such an incredible experience with the Indiana Fever… she has no gratitude, she has no respect,” Whitlock said. He argued that Smith’s behavior in the video, mocking her teammate, undermined their professional relationship.
Whitlock and fellow commentator Steve Kim also criticized the Indiana Fever’s continued promotion of Smith on social media despite the controversy. Whitlock pointed out recent tweets from the Fever that highlighted Smith’s career milestones, such as surpassing 1,000 career points and achieving a career-high in blocks. He questioned the team’s decision to continue celebrating Smith’s accomplishments in light of the recent backlash, asking, “What is the Indiana Fever doing?”
The situation raises questions about whether Caitlin Clark should consider taking legal action to address the tension and negative attention she has received. While both Carrington and Clark have previously downplayed the incident, the media attention has certainly heightened the drama surrounding the WNBA offseason.
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