Joy Taylor says white men were mad because a “strong, unapologetic Black woman” got in Caitlin Clark’s face.

But that’s not analysis. That’s race-baiting.

Let’s get something straight: Angel Reese’s viral “you can’t see me” moment didn’t make Caitlin Clark.

If anything, it gave Angel more exposure than her game alone warranted. It pushed her into a spotlight largely built by Clark’s performances, Clark’s records, and Clark’s game-changing presence.

To pretend otherwise — to suggest the moment built Caitlin — is not just revisionist, it’s dishonest.

 

 

The Real Problem: Double Standards in Sports Coverage

 

Caitlin Clark came into the WNBA with more pressure, attention, and expectation than any player before her. And what did she do with it?

She performed.

Despite hard fouls, media scrutiny, a flawed team structure, and an openly hostile playing environment, she still ranks among the league’s assist leaders. She sells out arenas. She boosts viewership by millions. She puts butts in seats and advertisers on notice.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese — a good player in her own right — is still chasing consistency. She’s not the best player on her own team. She’s not an MVP candidate. And she’s certainly not carrying the league.

But the moment she got in Caitlin’s face, she became the center of a narrative that still lingers.

And somehow, white fans were to blame for not liking the taunt?

 

 

Ask This: Would You Say the Same in Reverse?

If Caitlin had stood over Angel and mocked her after a loss, would Joy Taylor defend her as “confident”? Or would she be labeled entitled, arrogant, and racially insensitive?

You already know the answer.

And that’s the problem.

There’s no consistency in how we’re allowed to talk about race and rivalry — especially in women’s sports.

 

 

Angel Didn’t Build Caitlin — The Numbers Did

Let’s talk facts:

Caitlin Clark has led the NCAA in scoring and assists.
She shattered the all-time points record.
She’s led her team to multiple Final Fours.
She’s carried the WNBA into mainstream conversation.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese is known more for her reactions than her results. Her rebounding is elite. Her motor is real. But she hasn’t been a franchise-changing player. And she hasn’t been the reason ESPN is devoting daily segments to women’s hoops.

That’s Caitlin.

 

 

The WNBA’s Mistreatment of Its Biggest Star

Let’s be real:

Caitlin Clark has taken hits — physically and metaphorically.

From blindside fouls to cheap shots to intentional eye-pokes, she’s been targeted more than any other rookie in memory. She leads the league in flagrant fouls received. She’s been ejected from conversations and disrespected by vets.

Yet through it all, she keeps showing up. No complaining. No drama. Just basketball.

She doesn’t cry in postgames. She doesn’t point fingers. She downplays every hostile act as “just part of the game.”

And somehow, she’s still the villain?

 

 

Joy Taylor Wants to Talk About Race — But Not the Whole Picture

If you want to have a real conversation about race in women’s sports, let’s have it.

Let’s talk about how a white woman from Iowa walked into a 74% Black league and instantly became the biggest star.

Let’s talk about how the media didn’t create Caitlin Clark — her game did.

Let’s talk about how Angel Reese benefited from that stardom more than anyone, simply by being cast as the rival.

Let’s talk about how some of the loudest voices minimize Clark’s accomplishments while celebrating lesser ones in the name of “representation.”

Let’s talk about why it’s somehow okay to question Clark’s whiteness, her fans, and her rise — but not okay to scrutinize how Reese or others respond to her.

That’s not empowerment. That’s narrative control.

 

 

The Truth About Their Relationship

Here’s what people ignore:

Caitlin Clark has never disrespected Angel Reese. In fact, she’s gone out of her way to praise her effort, her hustle, and her competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Reese has capitalized on the rivalry, sometimes at the expense of sportsmanship.

Did it build her brand? Absolutely.

Did it come from beating Clark? Technically, yes — in one college game.

But that doesn’t make her equal.

Caitlin’s résumé stands alone.

 

 

Stop Pretending This Is About One Moment

What makes Caitlin Clark great isn’t one play, one reaction, or one rivalry.

It’s everything.

Her vision. Her pace. Her confidence. Her consistency. Her humility.

Her ability to show up, perform, and elevate the game around her.

You don’t become the face of a league because of a taunt. You don’t carry an entire sport because of who got in your face.

You do it because you’ve earned it.

And Caitlin Clark has.

 

 

Final Freeze: This Isn’t a Racial Divide — It’s a Reality Check

Joy Taylor can keep pushing divisive narratives if she wants.

But here’s what real fans see:

They see the player who draws millions. They see the one who makes her team better. They see the one who gets hit, gets up, and keeps going.

They see Caitlin Clark.

Not because of who challenged her. But because no one could replace her.

 

 

Disclaimer: This article is a commentary and analysis based on public statements, social media coverage, and cultural response. All viewpoints expressed are intended for editorial discussion only.