Nancy Lieberman, the former WNBA player and coach, weighed in on the Caitlin Clark-Chennedy Carter confrontation from the weekend.
Carter’s hip-check on Clark, which the league upgraded to a flagrant foul after Saturday night’s game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, has led to heavy debate in the sports world.
The panel on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” asked Lieberman what she would’ve done in that situation, and her answer was about as blunt as it gets.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever reacts during the second half against the Seattle Storm in a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse May 30, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
“If I were Caitlin Clark, I would’ve punched her in the face,” Lieberman said. “I’m from New York, and I would’ve told her to f— off. That would actually cure the problem.”
Lieberman is one of the most respected former players and coaches in women’s basketball, so her opinion on what should’ve gone down carries some weight.
She likened Clark to NBA superstar LeBron James, saying “[Clark] doesn’t want to mix it up with people, although she could” to protect her image. The Fever also have to be worried about keeping her on the court. A physical altercation usually results in an ejection and suspension.
Lieberman also pointed a finger at the Fever’s reaction when the foul occurred.
“I’ve known Chennedy since she was in high school here in Dallas. She’s a tough kid. She’s a really good basketball player,” Lieberman said. “She’s going to come after you because she’s really physical, which is OK. But, damn, where’s Caitlin Clark’s teammates? I’d be p—ed as s— at my teammates if nobody came to my defense.
“Gretzky had an enforcer. Michael Jordan had Oakley. Honestly, it’s just bulls—. This has to be better. Indiana has to be better.”
Nancy Lieberman attends Game 2 of the second round of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs between the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces Sept. 26, 2023, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. (David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lieberman knows Clark is a “generational talent,” and through just a few games, Clark has become one of the hottest topics in sports.
Lieberman compared Clark to James, but she also mentioned the financial benefits the WNBA will see, like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods did for their respective leagues.
“People need to thank Caitlin Clark for being that generational athlete that is making them wealthy,” Lieberman explained. “They will have generational wealth. They will not have chartered jets without her. They wouldn’t have been on TV. I know the W has worked hard over the last 27, 28 years. But they weren’t doing this with all the greats, the Hall of Famers — Lisa [Leslie], [Diana] Taurasi, [Sue] Bird. It was still sporadic with some of the greatest players in the game.
“Caitlin has caught the interest of the common person, both women, men, children. We need to celebrate her, not tolerate her. She’s a great kid.”
Carter spoke to the media for the first time about her foul on Clark, saying she has “no regrets” for what happened, and she will always play hard no matter the opponent. Her teammate, Angel Reese, also noted that she and the Sky are fine being villains if that’s how fans portray them.
Women’s basketball legend Nancy Lieberman admits if she were Caitlin Clark, she would’ve punched Chennedy Clark in the face. (Getty Images)
News
BREAKING: Kate Martin sparked controversy on social media when she demanded that the WNBA organizing committee review the VAR and ban Angel Reese from playing for her unsportsmanlike act of punching Caitlin Clark in the head. “We must eliminate the dirty elements to make the game cleaner.”
Kate Martin has sparked a social media uproar by publicly calling on the WNBA organizing committee to review the incident using VAR and to ban Angel Reese from playing. This demand stems from Reese’s unsportsmanlike conduct, where she was seen…
Brittney Griner asked Angel Reese instead of Caitlin Clark to compete in the 3×3 Olympics after Cameron Brink suffered an injury. I think “Angel Reese is better than Caitlin Clark”, causing fans to argue fiercely on social media.
In a surprising turn of events, WNBA star Brittney Griner has chosen Angel Reese to compete in the 3×3 Olympics, following an injury to Cameron Brink. Griner’s decision, and her accompanying statement that “Angel Reese is better than Caitlin Clark,”…
Caitlin Clark’s GPA Has Been Revealed In The Wake Of Her WNBA Debut, And It Will Shock You
Caitlin Clark (Photo via @caitlinclark22/Instagram) Caitlin Clark was bossing college both on the court and in the classroom. The new Indiana Fever guard left the NCAA as its highest-ever scorer and has already put on a show in the WNBA, having made her professional…
David Portnoy Slams Team USA for Excluding Caitlin Clark from Olympic Roster, Citing Missed Opportunity for Women’s Basketball
You can love Caitlin Clark. You can hate Caitlin Clark. You can love her Iowa roots. You can hate her Iowa roots. You can like her because she’s white or dislike her because she’s white. The same goes for being…
Indiana Fever Rookie Caitlin Clark Causes A Massive Stir With Her Unusual Social Media Activity
Caitlin Clark (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)© Provided by Total Pro Sports Caitlin Clark made a curious move on social media this week, liking a certain post. The Indiana Fever point guard has made it a point to let folks know…
OUT OF BOUNDS: David Portnoy – El Presidente harshly criticizes Team USA for leaving WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark off its Olympic roster. The Barstool Sports founder argues that the league missed a golden opportunity to grow women’s basketball.
Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy, better known online as “El Presidente,” is throwing shade at the selection committee behind the USA Women’s Olympic Basketball team. The controversy? The omission of WNBA rookie phenom Caitlin Clark from the roster. Clark, a…
End of content
No more pages to load