Watch: NBA’s Doris Burke Faces Backlash for Joking About Caitlin Clark During NBA Finals – ‘Could Ignite Debate
ESPN analyst Doris Burke made a controversial comment during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, comparing a foul in an NBA game to the aggressive treatment of WNBA player Caitlin Clark by her rivals. Burke’s remark implied that the intense reaction to multiple hard fouls against Clark was exaggerated. This commentary sparked criticism and disapproval on social media, where users highlighted the severity and frequency of fouls against Clark, suggesting they were fueled by personal issues beyond the court. The situation underscores ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding Clark, who has faced not only rough play but also derogatory remarks off the court since her WNBA debut. Critics argue that such treatment could jeopardize the reputation and viewer interest in the WNBA if it continues unchecked.
By Samantha Chang June 18, 2024 at 7:00am
ESPN analyst Doris Burke has joined the legion of clout-chasers frivolously name-dropping Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark to get attention.
On Monday, Burke — commentating during Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics — spouted a tone-deaf “joke” that downplayed the aggressive targeting of Clark by her WNBA rivals.
After Dallas forward P.J. Washington fouled Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis by yanking him to the ground, Burke said, “If that were Caitlin Clark, it might spark a debate for a week.”
Doris Burke on physical play in the NBA Finals 😂
“If that were Caitlin Clark it might spark a debate for a week.” pic.twitter.com/lxYC41M7oG
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 18, 2024
Her flippant remark suggested the negative reaction to Clark’s being the target of multiple hard fouls by opponents was overblown or unwarranted.
Numerous people on social media torched Burke for her boneheaded statement.
“Yeah, Doris. If it happened to Porzingis every game, sometimes multiple times in a game while every player in the league acts like it isn’t happening, it just might, you’re right,” one X user wrote.
“What terrible commentary.”
Did you think Burke’s joke was funny?
Yeah, Doris. If it happened to Porzingis every game, sometimes multiple times in a game while every player in the league acts like it isn’t happening, it just might, you’re right.
What terrible commentary.
— Jimmy Blair (@jimmybgocards) June 18, 2024
I couldn’t believe she brought that up
— MarvG (@justmarvg) June 18, 2024
This is why I watch the games on mute. Doris is god awful
— Nick (@ChubbyChub216) June 18, 2024
well, no, because that was in the run of play. the issue with Clark was not.
— catedunlap (@catedunlap) June 18, 2024
“Let’s not pretend like ppl just randomly overreact to CC being fouled hard,” another commenter said.
“If players in the NBA made it obvious that they had a personal issue with Porzingis off the court, fans would believe these hard fouls against him were malicious too.”
Let’s not pretend like ppl just randomly overreact to CC being fouled hard. If players in the NBA made it obvious that they had a personal issue with Porzingis off the court, fans would believe these hard fouls against him were malicious too.
— Chris (@Buf_Bills) June 18, 2024
One person said the flagrant foul Washington committed on Porzingis reminded him of Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s cheap shots against Clark.
That definitely looks like Angel Reese defense.
— Bradley Scott 🙏🇺🇸 (@Hoosiers1986) June 18, 2024
Clark has been the target of race-hustling trash talk off the court and rough fouls on the court since making her WNBA debut on May 15.
What’s going on here @WNBA? Chennedy Carter pushes Caitlin Clark while calling her a b**** and Angel Reese jumps off the bench and applauds Carter. Then Reese clothes lines Clark to the floor, Reese says something to her. Perhaps the same one word syllable Kennedy used? pic.twitter.com/XNhQG2CR2h
— I am Legend (@Grannytologist) June 1, 2024
JUST IN: WNBA player Angel Reese viciously elbows Caitlin Clark in the head as she goes in for a layup.
Reese could be seen completely missing the ball and making contact with Clark’s head instead.
She was called for a flagrant 1.
The move comes as more and more WNBA players… pic.twitter.com/VOmjloMTRX
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 16, 2024
Chicago Sky doing Chicago Sky stuff pic.twitter.com/0OVDYtulxV
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 16, 2024
The people grousing about Clark cannot seem to hide their jealousy and resentment toward a 22-year-old rookie sensation who has single-handedly electrified the heretofore dull WNBA.
If these aggressive fouls persist unchecked and — God forbid — the Fever star gets seriously injured and sidelined, the league will once again sink back into obscurity.
If only Clark’s brainless haters understood this. As the saying goes: A rising tide lifts all boats.
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