WNBA graphic omitting Caitlin Clark shows identity politics still come first | Bobby Burack

It turns out the WNBA still isn't ready to do that.

That's right. Raven Johnson, who is averaging 1.0 points per game this season.

Johnson is also Black. While we normally wouldn't mention her skin color, it likely played a role in the decision to feature her over Clark. We can't think of another reason the league would do so.

If the WNBA's goal was to spotlight newer or lesser-known players, we could at least understand the logic. But that clearly wasn't the case, considering the graphic also included established stars like Wilson and Reese.

Had the league also promoted Isobel Borlase, who averages 1.0 points per game, over Reese, we might have given it the benefit of the doubt.

Imagine the NBA promoting a Bulls game in the 1990s without Michael Jordan. Imagine the league previewing a new season today without LeBron James. If you can find a single ad for the upcoming Texas Longhorns season that doesn't feature Arch Manning, let us know.

Every sport's league promotes its biggest stars. It would be foolish not to. Well, every league except the WNBA.

For context, there was no backlash when Patrick Mahomes, Myles Garrett and Marshawn Lynch appeared with Wallen. But when the White girl did it, suddenly it became a controversy.

An ESPN guest writer named Jayson Buford accused Clark on Substack of appealing to a "scary" form of "whiteness," whatever that means, by walking out with Wallen.

"Caitlin Clark is beloved by most people despite her proximity to the type of whiteness that is inherently scary," Buford wrote. "So why did she walk out with Morgan Wallen? It's so blatantly corny."

Like the social media team, Buford signaled his virtue. No one can accuse him of being a sellout.

Meanwhile, the WNBA once again looks bush league, petty and toxic. Burying your biggest star because she is white - and because some people within the league resent that reality - is not just unappealing. It's racist. It sends the message that the WNBA is more concerned with identity politics than appealing to fans.

By now, the playbook is painfully predictable. The WNBA undermines Clark. Her fans notice. And then, her detractors accuse those fans of racism for noticing. Rinse and repeat.

Finally, Clark finished Sunday's game with 21 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds, leading the Fever to an 89-78 win over the Storm. Raven Johnson, who made the graphic over Clark, didn't score a single point.