This time, it involves Caitlin Clark, or more specifically, her friends. Recent remarks made by Clark’s friends about Angel Reese and Brittney Griner have ignited a firestorm among the WNBA’s original fan base, who are often labeled as “wokes.” These fans, it seems, are always quick to anger, especially when it comes to their basketball idols.

The incident in question took place during a live stream involving Clark’s former Iowa Hawkeye teammate and friend. During the stream, jokes were made about Brittney Griner’s return from Russia in a prisoner exchange and about Angel Reese’s appearance. This kind of banter, common in everyday interactions, has sparked significant backlash among the woke WNBA fan base.

In the live stream, Jack McCaffrey, the younger brother of Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, made jokes about Griner being traded for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout and about Angel Reese’s looks. The video quickly went viral, and the outrage was immediate. The WNBA’s original fans took to social media to express their disapproval, attacking both Clark and her friends for the comments made during the stream.

Despite the jokes being part of normal banter, the response was swift and harsh. Jada Gyamfi, an active Iowa Hawkeyes player and friend of Clark, was part of the live stream but didn’t make any inflammatory remarks herself. However, her laughter and failure to shut down the conversation while crude jokes were being made have fueled the social media fire.

Among the comments made were jokes about Griner preferring to be called “pops” instead of “mom” and a reference to her prisoner exchange with Viktor Bout. The latter was humorously referred to as “we traded a shooter for a big.” These comments, while intended as jokes, have been deemed insensitive by many, leading to accusations of transphobia and disrespect.

The reactions on social media have been intense, with some calling Jada Gyamfi a “goofy pick-me” and criticizing her for not stopping the jokes. Others pointed out that making jokes and poking fun at others is a part of everyday life and that the outrage is overblown.

This incident highlights a broader issue within the WNBA and its fan base. The original WNBA fans, who were supporting the league before Caitlin Clark’s rise, are often seen as overly sensitive and quick to react negatively to any perceived slight. This has created a divide between the old guard and the new wave of fans brought in by Clark’s popularity.

The criticism extends beyond just the friends of Caitlin Clark. Some have taken this opportunity to bash Clark herself, despite her not being directly involved in the incident. They accuse her and her circle of harboring jealousy and resentment towards Angel Reese, who has an NCAA title that Clark does not.

The commentary from some fans is that this kind of humor and banter is normal and should not be taken so seriously. However, others argue that public figures and their associates should be more mindful of their words and the potential impact they can have.

This controversy also touches on the broader culture of the WNBA, where politics, social issues, and personal beliefs often intersect with sports. The league has been known for its activism, which sometimes leads to tensions between different factions within its fan base.

In conclusion, the outrage over Caitlin Clark’s friends making jokes about Brittney Griner and Angel Reese is a reflection of the ongoing cultural battles within the WNBA. While some see it as harmless fun, others view it as insensitive and disrespectful. This incident underscores the challenges faced by public figures and their associates in navigating the complex landscape of modern sports fandom, where every word and action is scrutinized.