Caitlin Clark insists ‘I don’t read that’ after Angel Reese swipe online as WNBA star prepares for showdown with Cameron Brink

WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark responded to her critics.

NCAA Division I’s all-time leading scorer, Clark arrived in the WNBA as perhaps the most highly touted rookie in recent memory.

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Since arriving, Clark has helped shine a light on the league, bringing with him great fanfare and attention, sparking an increase in ratings, attendance and merchandise sales.

The league was also forced to introduce charter flights for its players after the first round of games.

However, the attention and praise given to Clark appears to have caused something of a rift.

For example, following the Chicago Sky’s 90-81 victory against the New York Liberty on Thursday, Sky rookie Angel Reese appeared to take shots at Clark in a since-deleted tweet.

“And that’s getting a win in a crowded field, not just because of one player on our charter flight. #SKYTOWN,” Reese wrote.

Although former ESPN host Jemele Hill has stated that Clark’s race and sexuality had a role to play in his rise to stardom, according to the LA Times.

The backlash Clark has faced lately has even prompted NBA legends LeBron James and Charles Barkley to weigh in and lend support to the former Iowa star.

Now, Clark has directly addressed the reaction before the Fever’s blockbuster game against the Los Angeles Sparks and his own rookie sensation, Cameron Brink.

“To be honest, I’m not on social media much. I don’t read that,” she told reporters.

“This is my job. My job is to compete and play basketball every day.

“I think the more attention we can give to every team in this league, it’s only going to help it get better and better.”

Clark added that his “main focus” is to improve and help his team get their first win of the season.

The same day Clark addressed the backlash, so did Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon.

“We love Caitlin Clark,” the two-time WNBA championship-winning coach he said.

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“I think she’s amazing. I watched every time I could. And our league loves her.”

Hammon insisted that the “narrative that everyone hates Caitlin Clark” was simply not true, while also rejecting any suggestion that race was involved.

Hammon’s message was simple: “Stay away.”

“She’s learning and growing like everyone else,” added five-time WNBA All-Star A’ja Wilson.

Hammon also took the opportunity to comment on his bylaws, joking: “I don’t care if Kermit the Frog made the change.

“We’ve been fighting for it.”

In five games with the Fever, Clark averaged 17.8 points, 5.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds.

The Fever remains the only winless team in the WNBA.

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