In recent years, WNBA players have had to weather an outsized storm of commentary and criticism from people who previously didn’t seem to care much about their league.
The ascension of Caitlin Clark and the arrival of players like Angel Reese, Paige Beuckers, and Sophia Cunningham have led to a focus from some corners of media and fandom where the quality of play is the last thing they’re concerned with. Instead, critiquing players’ looks, aggressiveness, and off-court activities seems to be of more interest.
So when they see a social media post like the one Former ESPN and FS1 personality Jason Whitlock shared Sunday, it doesn’t go unnoticed anymore.
After Whitlock asked if “any female WNBA fans give me an opinion on Aari McDonalds wig?,” adding that it “looks crazy to me,” the Fever guard decided to respond.
LOL I usually don’t respond to foolishness like this, but I couldn’t help myself this time. You’re very lame for commenting on a woman’s appearance and for your information it’s not a wig. Don’t make me get @stephenasmith 🤣
Stay blessed😊 https://t.co/6mFeU49hUX
— Aari McDonald (@McdonaldAari2) August 3, 2025
“LOL I usually don’t respond to foolishness like this, but I couldn’t help myself this time,” she wrote on X Sunday afternoon. “You’re very lame for commenting on a woman’s appearance, and for your information, it’s not a wig. Don’t make me get @stephenasmith.”
Either out of feeling bad about making the comment or concern over the potential Stephen A. Smith clapback, Whitlock would later apologize.
I’m sorry, Aari. I sincerely apologize. Great victory. https://t.co/z0EVbwpafZ
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) August 3, 2025
In 18 games, McDonald is averaging 9.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.