WNBA fans have been accused of “hypocritical” criticism of Caitlin Clark, who attended a Morgan Wallen concert over the weekend.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, walked out with Wallen at his concert in Indianapolis on Saturday night. Wallen, one of the most famous music stars on the planet, was caught using the N-word in 2021. He ultimately apologized and expressed deep regret and has since returned to global superstardom.
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But many have not forgotten.
Clark received a lot of criticism online for her appearance alongside Wallen at his concert in Indianapolis on Saturday night.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to the action Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever’s season opener game at Gainbridge FIeldhouse in Indianapolis.© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
“So many of her colleagues are Black women. But she’s fine being cool with the bigot who freely uses the n word,” one critic wrote.
“Team Angel Reese,” one shared.
“Well, that’s disappointing,” another shared.
ESPN guest writer Jayson Buford sounded off, too.
“Caitlin Clark is beloved by most people despite her proximity to the type of whiteness that is inherently scary,” Buford wrote. “So why did she walk out with Morgan Wallen? It’s so blatantly corny. Just be cool.”
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WNBA fans accused of ‘double standard’ with Clark
Clark, of course, is far from the first athlete to associate with a musician with a troubled past.
“Patrick Mahomes, Myles Garrett, Marshawn Lynch and Mike Tyson have all done so during Wallen’s tour. Yet there was no such outrage when they did it,” Fox News wrote.
“Chris Brown is a serial abuser. And yet, Paige Bueckers and Coach Dawn Staley didn’t face any backlash for attending his concerts and posing with him last summer.”
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The difference, probably, is that Clark has become a media lightning rod. Nothing in regard to her fame or her analysis is done with much objectivity at this point. Everyone has chosen their lanes and stuck to them.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.