“Renee Montgomery called Caitlin Clark fans racist. Dawn Staley says losing to Clark made her question God….You can’t make this stuff up,” Jason Whitlock takes aim at Renee Montgomery and Dawn Staley over new WNBA show despite rocky history with Caitlin Clark

In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s basketball, controversy is never far behind—especially when it comes to rising star Caitlin Clark. Recently, sports commentator Jason Whitlock ignited debate by criticizing WNBA figures Renee Montgomery and Dawn Staley for their comments and actions surrounding Clark and her growing fanbase.

The spark came after Renee Montgomery allegedly called some of Caitlin Clark’s fans “racist,” stirring heated discussions across social media and sports talk shows. Montgomery, a former WNBA champion and current broadcaster, has been vocal about issues of race and representation in the league. Her remarks, intended to highlight the challenges faced by Black athletes, were interpreted by some—including Whitlock—as divisive.

Adding fuel to the fire, Dawn Staley, the highly respected head coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, made headlines when she admitted that losing to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa squad in the NCAA tournament “made her question God.” Staley’s emotional reflection was meant to underscore the intensity and passion of competition, but critics like Whitlock saw it as an overreaction.

“You can’t make this stuff up,” Whitlock declared on his show, taking aim at both Montgomery and Staley. He accused them of creating unnecessary drama around Clark, whose rapid ascent has already generated plenty of attention—and controversy—in the WNBA.

Whitlock’s comments come at a time when the league is launching new media projects to promote its stars and address ongoing issues of race, gender, and fandom. The friction between Clark’s supporters and those who feel marginalized by her popularity has only grown, with high-profile figures like Montgomery and Staley at the center of the conversation.

Despite the rocky history, Clark continues to shine on the court, breaking records and drawing new fans to women’s basketball. But as the league—and its commentators—grapple with questions of identity and inclusion, it’s clear that the debate over Caitlin Clark is far from over.