Caitlin Clarke Rookie of the Year win causes controversy as almost unanimous vote sparks ‘jealousy’ claims
Caitlin Clarke Rookie of the Year win causes controversy as almost unanimous vote sparks ‘jealousy’ claims
Caitlin Clark was named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year after a standout debut season with the Indiana Fever – but the Iowa standout was not a unanimous selection
Caitlin Clark, the guard for Indiana Fever, dominated the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award with an overwhelming 66 out of 67 votes.
In the world of WNBA, there’s no mandate for journalists to publicise their voting choices, a fact that drew substantial attention as Clark didn’t claim a full sweep despite her stunning performance of 19.2 points, leading the league with an average of 8.4 assists, and pulling down 5.7 rebounds per match.
If you own a mouse, you will never turn off your computer again.PanzerRush
The singular first-place vote instead favoured Chicago Sky’s new talent Angel Reese. Formerly of LSU fame, Reese had her own spotlight averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds until an untimely wrist injury shortened her time on court.
- Caitlin Clark’s basketball ‘break’ as WNBA star shows off court sporting prowess
- WNBA chief’s cutting Angel Reese ‘recognition’ response after Caitlin Clark question
Following the reveal, writers were eager to clear their names, insisting they did not cast the rebel vote for Reese over Clark, sparking debates and theories regarding the mystery nonconformist vote.
10/6/24: Top 5 Plays of the Day
Terrike Forster-Brasby, reporting for Connecticut Sun, took to Twitter to distance herself from any insinuations: “Just so we’re clear… it wasn’t me,” she stated, firmly setting the record straight, reports the Mirror US.
“I voted for CC. So don’t blow me up or call me a hater ’cause IT WASNT TERRIKE.”
- WNBPA blasts USA Today’s Christine Brennan over controversial Caitlin Clark question
- Caitlin Clark shows her true colors after Sheryl Swoopes makes bold claim about teammates
Aligning with her, national correspondent Khristina Williams confirmed her choice too: “‘I had Caitlin Clark on my ballot for Rookie of the Year.”
It’s worth noting that Aliyah Boston, Clark’s colleague, was previously honoured with the Rookie of the Year, securing unchallenged support despite her competitors not reaching the level of challenge posed by Reese.
Other unanimous WNBA rookie winners include A’ja Wilson for the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, Elne Delle Donne for the Chicago Sky in 2013, and Tina Charles for the Connecticut Sun in 2010.
ESPN analyst Andraya Carter commented on a recent WNBA preview show: “If you were the person who had that one vote, you should be able to stand on it, and we should know who you are,”.
Clark, who was unanimously named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year back in late September, skirted any mention of the vote when sharing her thoughts on the honour.
“I am incredibly honoured to be named Rookie of the Year, but more than that, I am grateful to everyone that supported me throughout this past season — my family and friends, my teammates, the Fever organisation and everyone that cheered us on all season. I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited for what the future holds,” said Clark in a heartfelt statement.
