Natasha Cloud Slams ‘Racism’ Behind Caitlin Clark Targeting Claims.
The WNBA’s biggest controversy just took a dramatic turn—Natasha Cloud is calling out the real reason behind the uproar over Caitlin Clark’s rough treatment last season. The Connecticut Sun star didn’t hold back, blasting claims of Clark being unfairly targeted as nothing more than racism.
Clark’s Meteoric Rise and the Brutal Reality of the WNBA
Caitlin Clark shook the WNBA to its core in 2024, bringing in millions of new fans and proving she was more than just hype. She dominated as the Indiana Fever’s top star, securing Rookie of the Year and finishing fourth in MVP voting. But with success came resistance—opposing teams zeroed in on her, dishing out relentless physical play in an attempt to slow her down.
From hard fouls to flagrant hits, Clark took beating after beating throughout the season. But were these just part of the game, or was something more sinister at play?
Natasha Cloud Calls Out ‘BS’ and Drops a Bombshell
Cloud is sick of the narrative that Clark was specifically targeted by WNBA veterans—and she’s not mincing words. On The Pivot Podcast, she went scorched earth on the claims, calling them “bulls*”** and exposing what she believes is the real agenda behind the controversy.
"It gets blown up into, ‘Oh, they’re going after Caitlin Clark.’ But no, we're just playing one of the best players in the league the way that any other franchise player has been played," Cloud fired back.
But she didn’t stop there—she took it a step further, outright calling the backlash rooted in racism. According to Cloud, Clark’s new fanbase isn’t just about basketball—it’s fueled by something much deeper.
Clark’s Most Explosive Clashes of 2024
Clark’s three most brutal run-ins last season turned into national headlines—and none were more infamous than her battles with the Chicago Sky.
- June 1 – Chennedy Carter delivered a dirty hip check, knocking Clark to the ground and sparking a media firestorm.
- June 16 – Angel Reese, Clark’s archrival, smashed her in the head while attempting to block a shot.
- Late August – Diamond DeShields bodied Clark to the floor with a flagrant foul that sent shockwaves through the league.
Fans erupted, accusing WNBA veterans of ganging up on Clark, while others claimed this was simply how the game is played. Who’s right? That depends on who you ask.
Clark’s Future: Will the Physicality Get Even Worse?
With a reloaded Indiana Fever team aiming for its first title since 2012, Clark is set to face even more intense defensive pressure—and the debate over her treatment is only getting louder.
But here’s the real question: is this truly about fair play, or is race shaping the entire conversation? If Clark’s fouls continue dominating headlines while similar treatment of Black players is ignored, expect the backlash to explode even further.
The Bigger Picture: Is the WNBA Ready for This Firestorm?
Cloud’s bold accusations have ignited a firestorm that could redefine how the WNBA handles race, media narratives, and its rapidly growing fanbase.
One thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is changing the league in more ways than one. Whether the WNBA can balance its newfound mainstream attention while addressing deep-seated racial tensions is a question that could shape the future of women’s basketball forever.