“They Only Hate Her ‘Cause She’s White”: Matt Barnes Drops Blunt Truth About Caitlin Clark’s Treatment in WNBA

Matt Barnes has never been one to bite his tongue. And when it comes to the treatment of Indiana Fever’s rising superstar Caitlin Clark, the former NBA veteran didn’t hold back.

During a candid moment on his podcast All the Smoke, Barnes delivered what may be the most polarizing take yet on the growing wave of aggression and animosity Clark has faced on and off the court.

“Caitlin Clark has completely changed the game,” Barnes said.
“She has the Tiger Woods effect… They only hate her ‘cause she’s white.”

Just like that, Barnes ignited a firestorm.

A Star Dividing the League

Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA was never going to be quiet. With a historic college career, massive media presence, and undeniable talent, she was destined to shake things up.

But few predicted just how much turbulence her presence would cause.

In just her first month as a pro, Clark has become the league’s biggest box office draw—and its biggest lightning rod. From hard fouls to social media shade to tense postgame snubs, Clark has seemingly become a target for criticism from all directions.

Some call it “rookie initiation.”

Others, like Barnes, see something deeper.

“She’s bringing in new fans, selling out arenas, and putting millions of eyes on this league. And the response from some of these players? Cheap shots. Cold shoulders. Disrespect,” he continued.
“If she were Black? Maybe the energy’s different. Maybe they’d embrace her.”

A Loaded Comparison: Caitlin and Tiger

By invoking Tiger Woods, Barnes made one of the boldest cultural comparisons in modern sports.

Like Tiger in the early 2000s, Clark has revolutionized visibility in her sport. She’s attracted fans who’ve never watched women’s basketball. She’s sparked TV ratings spikes, doubled ticket prices, and even prompted rival cities to increase arena security due to sold-out crowds.

But with all that spotlight has come backlash—from players, coaches, even commentators.

“She didn’t ask to be ‘The Face,’” one league executive told The Ringer. “But the league gave it to her. And now she’s paying the price for it.”

The Culture War Brewing in the WNBA

Barnes’ comments come amid rising debate over race, favoritism, and media narratives in the league.

Critics argue that Clark receives “preferential treatment”—that her highlights are prioritized, her jersey sales celebrated, her mistakes excused.

Supporters fire back, pointing out that she’s not asking for special treatment. She’s earning it.

“Look at the numbers,” ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike said earlier this month. “She’s leading rookies in assists, pulling near triple-doubles, and doing it under more pressure than any player since Diana Taurasi.”

Still, the tension is real.

Some WNBA veterans have voiced frustration about Clark’s coverage eclipsing that of long-established stars. Others have gone further—questioning whether her whiteness has given her access to fame that others never received.

That’s the undercurrent Barnes is calling out.

“We can’t say we want the league to grow, then resent the person making it happen,” he added.
“If you don’t like the way she plays—beat her. But don’t try to tear her down.”

Inside the Locker Rooms: Division or Discomfort?

Several WNBA insiders, speaking anonymously, have admitted the mood around Clark is tense.

“There’s jealousy, no doubt,” one veteran player said. “But it’s also frustration with how the media crowns her without acknowledging who paved the way.”

Another countered:

“She’s not asking to be crowned. She’s just hooping. The rest is noise.”

Barnes’ comments, though, raise a question that now dominates the discourse: Is Caitlin Clark simply a generational talent caught in a cultural storm—or the epicenter of a league-wide identity crisis?

Clark Stays Silent. The Numbers Speak.

Clark herself has largely avoided the controversy. While she’s occasionally addressed the physicality she faces (“It’s part of the game”), she hasn’t responded directly to the shade.

Instead, she’s let her play do the talking.

As of this writing, Clark is averaging:

16.8 PPG

7.4 APG

5.8 RPG

She leads all rookies in minutes, assists, and 3-pointers made. Her Indiana Fever team—previously an afterthought—has now become one of the league’s must-watch squads.

What Happens Next?

Barnes isn’t alone in his view. Other high-profile voices—from Stephen A. Smith to WNBA legend Cappie Pondexter—have echoed similar sentiments, warning that the league risks alienating new fans if it doesn’t protect its stars.

But not everyone agrees with Barnes’ framing.

“It’s lazy to reduce it to race,” said one former WNBA coach. “The target’s there because she’s hyped. And in this league, hype gets tested.”

Still, Barnes’ words are out there now—and they’ve reframed the national conversation.

The question isn’t just whether Caitlin Clark can handle the hate.

It’s whether the WNBA can handle the heat that comes with its biggest star yet.