WNBA star Brittney Griner spoke about ex-Iowa women’s basketball guard Caitlin Clark in a new interview with People Magazine released nearly a week before the former Hawkeye’s first regular season with the Indiana Fever begins.
The Phoenix Mercury basketball player’s new memoir, “Coming Home,” details her detainment in Russia in 2022. Griner was arrested when cannabis oil was found in her luggage, something she says she accidentally packed. She was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Griner spoke to People about her memoir and also commented on Clark, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft.
The “hype” Clark and others have is “amazing for the league,” Griner told the publication.
She spoke about the difference between college and professional basketball, recalling her own transition, and said that in the latter, rookies are “going up against grown women.”
“This is their livelihood,” she said of players in the WNBA.
She added that while there will be some growing pains for Clark, “she’ll be fine.”
Just over one month ago, one of sport’s biggest names, LeBron James, also commented on the popularity of Clark and some of her peers.
More:Is your favorite celeb a fan of Caitlin Clark? Here are some showing up for the Iowa star
Who does Brittney Griner play for?
The Phoenix Mercury resigned Griner in April.
The nine-time WNBA All-Star enters her 11th season with the team, according to the Mercury’s announcement.
How to watch Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever
The Fever play against the Connecticut Sun in their regular-season opener May 14. The game will be aired nationally on ESPN2. People can also stream the game on ESPN+ and Disney+.
Some Iowans in the state, including Des Moines, may be able to watch Clark and the Fever for free. That’s because broadcaster TEGNA is expanding the broadcast of 17 games to an additional 11 different markets.
Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
Brittney Griner’s Painfully Honest Take On Caitlin Clark-Team USA Controversy
Brittney Griner was recently selected to the 2024 Team USA roster for the Summer Olympics. The 11-year WNBA veteran has represented the United States in prior events, having won two gold medals in her career.
While the questions around Griner should speak on her excitement for the opportunity and fit with the team, there’s one debate that’s still unanswered.
The absence of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark from Team USA has fans livid online. Clark is arguably the most popular women’s basketball player in the world, averaging 16.3 points and 6.0 as a rookie in the league.
Griner spoke on Clark being left off the roster, revealing her true thoughts on the situation.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after her third foul against the Connecticut Sun in the second quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena.
© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
“I don’t want to be on that committee. That’s what I’ve always said. It’s a hard committee, there’s so many times each year on who is on the team and who isn’t on the team. It’s tough. I think anybody that’s on this team, can go, can win, but we’ll see in the fture how it goes,” said Griner via Desert
Griner doesn’t seem to be stirring the pot but rather sharing insight into the issue. There are many players who could have contended for the roster, and it’s clear that Clark is still an option for a reserve spot, but for now, the team is set.
