Dick Vitale doubles down on criticism of 'jealousy' from WNBA players toward Caitlin Clark

ESPN analyst Dick Vitale is further calling out “jealousy” among WNBA players toward Caitlin Clark. Speaking with Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy, he pointed out the increased attention toward the league over the last year.

Vitale argued Clark’s impact on the W should bring more respect from her peers. He noted the soaring TV viewership, as well as attendance rates and chartered flights, as signs of the Indiana Fever star’s impact on the league.

In an earlier post on social media, Vitale lamented hard fouls and how he perceived other players’ attitudes toward Clark. He called it “lots of jealousy” among players in the league.

“I feel strongly that various players don’t give Caitlin Clark the respect she deserves,” Vitale told FOS. “What she has done to help the WNBA has been unbelievable. Think about it. PR excitement. Ticket sales. TV Ratings and interest. Salary increases. More charter flights than the past. Plus, she is so exciting to watch. Lots of jealousy.”

Clark received the most fan votes for this year’s WNBA All-Star Game and was named a captain for the event. However, in a player vote, she came in as the ninth-ranked guard for the game – and that generated a strong response from Vitale on social media.

“Absolutely PURE JEALOUSY that ⁦[WNBA] players voted Caitlin Clark the 9th best guard,” Vitale wrote earlier this week. “Someday they will realize what she Has done for ALL of the players in the WNBA. Chartered planes – increase in salaries-sold out crowds – improved TV Ratings.”

Despite missing time with injuries, Clark is in the midst of an impressive second season in the WNBA after the Indiana Fever selected her No. 1 overall a year ago. Through nine games, she’s averaging 18.2 points and 8.9 assists while adding 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, as well.

Clark did not play in Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup championship against the Minnesota Lynx and is also out for Thursday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. She is dealing with a left groin injury after previously dealing with a quad issue, and Indiana coach Stephanie White said the franchise is putting its star guard’s long-term health first.

“My goal has always been the same,” White told reporters Wednesday, via ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. “I don’t want this to be something that lingers, that we come back too soon. We want to make sure that she is 100% ready to go and that we put her long-term health and wellness at the forefront.”