Dave Portnoy Blasts USA Today Columnist Over Caitlin Clark Racism Claims as WNBA Tightens Security
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 23
Dave Portnoy Blasts USA Today Columnist Over Caitlin Clark Racism Claims as WNBA Tightens Security
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 23
Summary
Dave Portnoy on Thursday called Nancy Armour’s Caitlin Clark column the “dumbest” sports paragraph he had ever read, escalating backlash over her claim that Clark’s disputes with referees can fuel racist abuse.
Armour wrote that some fans read Clark’s reactions as a White woman needing protection, cited racist abuse aimed at players including Chelsea Gray, and invoked Emmett Till while warning of risks to Black and queer WNBA players.
USA Today said it updated the column for clarity and would not comment further; Armour called the Till comparison “inartful” and lacking context but stood by her broader argument.
Sam Vecenie, Clay Travis and other commentators also attacked the column, focusing especially on the Till reference and questioning how it cleared editing.
The dispute lands as the WNBA and players’ union said Wednesday they would enhance security resources after a rise in racist, hateful and abusive messages, while Clark has publicly condemned harassment of players, coaches and officials.