Caitlin Clark Called Out Lexie Hull for Smell—and It Might Just Propel Her Brand Deal Forward

1. The Social Media Moment That Broke the Internet

It all unfolded on TikTok, earlier this week, when Lexie Hull, guard for the Indiana Fever, posted an enthusiastic sponsored clip promoting her new deal with Salt & Stone deodorant. In the video and accompanying caption, Hull gushed:

“Say hello to my new favorite deodorant! @SALT & STONE has the perfect Bergamot scent, keeping me fresh all day. Have you tried it yet? #saltandstonepartner.” Wikipedia+10Yardbarker+10Yardbarker+10

Fans immediately responded with likes and comments praising the product—and then Caitlin Clark, her superstar teammate, chimed in with a seemingly savage reply:

“No you don’t you smell awful.” Yardbarker+1Yardbarker+1

Clark’s off‑hand roast quickly went viral, dividing reaction between laughter and shock—with some fans accusing her of crossing the line.

2. Caitlin Clark’s Comment: All in Good Fun… or Beyond the Joke?

Known for trolling teammates in a lighthearted locker-room culture, Clark’s comment may have been intended as humor—yet its timing, on a brand-affiliated post, made it feel much bigger. As one gossip even put it: “Caitlin Clark is messing up her bag.” Yardbarker

Some fans voiced concern:

“NOOOO WAYYYY WHY IS SHE SUCH A BULLY OMGGG.”

“Bŕh did she realize it was a sponsored ad?”

“What’s her problem?” Athlon Sports+15Yardbarker+15Athlon Sports+15

Still others leaned into the comedy, cleverness or meme potential of Clark’s blunt honesty.

3. The Aftermath: Bad for the Deal—or Massive Free Press?

Ironically, the social media uproar may work in Hull’s favor. While Clark’s comment appears to undercut the endorsement, the increased views and interactions give Hull’s post much broader reach—something brands crave:

“At the very least, Clark’s comment will generate more buzz for Hull’s sponsored post.” Yardbarker+10Yardbarker+10Athlon Sports+10

Lexie Hull, currently in her third WNBA season after being drafted from Stanford in 2022, is quietly emerging as both a solid two-way contributor and a rising personality in Indiana Fever circles Reddit+14Athlon Sports+14Wikipedia+14.

If social media traction matters, Clark’s blunt jab may have given Hull more visibility—and engagement—than she’d ever get organically.

4. Teammate Dynamics: Love-Hate, But Mostly Respect

Off the court, Clark and Hull share a close friendship. Their camaraderie extends into downtime, travel, and media appearances, and Hull has often spoken fondly of Clark’s influence on her growth as a player and person RedditReddit.

But their locker-room chemistry includes teasing. A lighter moment earlier this season came when Hull jokingly said she “tried to get her hands on as many balls as possible,” prompting Clark to burst into laughter mid-press conference. That viral clip trended among WNBA fans talking about their team chemistry Athlon SportsReddit.

So, while Clark’s comment may drip with sarcasm, in context it reflects a playful dynamic—though perhaps poorly timed for a sponsored ad post.

5. Lexie Hull’s Rising Story: From Role Player to Brand Partner

Hull’s trajectory in the WNBA has been quietly inspiring. A top‑round pick in 2022, she has steadily improved and delivers on both ends of the floor. Analysts and fans note:

Strong defensive stats (multiple Pac‑12 honors, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion in 2025).

Increased role in the Fever’s rotation as one of the few consistent bench or spot starters Wikipedia.

Clark herself has praised Hull publicly: “Lex has been tremendous… her offensive skillset has continued to grow… she’s one of the most selfless people I’ve ever been around.” Athlon Sports

Hull also helped settle tensions during a physical encounter Clark had in college‑hood rivalry games, showing leadership both publicly and privately Athlon SportsReddit.

6. Injury Context and Team Implications

While the drama unfolds online, Clark remains sidelined due to an ongoing groin injury, having missed 15 of 27 games this season. She’s ruled out of the upcoming game against the Dallas Wings, as the team continues a cautious approach to her recovery Yardbarker.

Indiana holds a surprising and impressive three-game win streak without Clark, making Hull and other teammates ever more critical in stepping up during her absence.

7. Broader Takeaways: Influence, Media and Self-Awareness

This episode is emblematic of the modern sports-media environment, where:

A single-line comment can start trending across platforms.

Team relationships are on display—publicly and privately.

Endorsement deals are fragile ecosystems, dependent on tone and perception.

Even criticism from a high-profile teammate can shift public narrative—for better or worse.

Despite any potential awkwardness, the visibility Clark’s comment created may still end up benefiting Hull: post impressions, click-throughs, and user comments are all metrics brands monitor closely.

8. Final Thought: From Roast to Reach

In one blow, Clark’s comment may have momentarily undermined Hull’s polished, sponsored moment—but it undeniably made her post go farther, faster.

And in the WNBA, where players’ off-court ventures and sponsorships are crucial to livelihood and visibility, that kind of viral amplification can be more powerful than a perfectly curated message.