Controversy Surrounds Nancy Armour’s Column on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA
Sage Steele, host of ‘The Sage Steele Show’, has criticized the WNBA for its handling of top talent Caitlin Clark. Steele pointed out the league’s ongoing issue with poor officiating, which has led to numerous uncalled fouls against Clark and other players this season. She warned that if this neglect continues, the WNBA risks losing its expanding fanbase.
In related news, a dispute erupted after Nancy Armour, a USA Today columnist, claimed Clark’s reactions to officiating promote racist abuse and endanger Black and queer WNBA players. Armour argued that some of Clark’s supporters perceive her disputes as a White woman needing protection, which leads to targeting other players. She stated, “It seems there is a White nationalist element to Clark’s fandom that is deeply, deeply problematic.” Armour also referenced the country’s history of violence against Black individuals, particularly noting the WNBA’s All-Star Game scheduled in Chicago, Emmett Till’s hometown.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy harshly criticized Armour’s claims on social media. He labeled her argument as ‘the dumbest sports paragraph’ he’d ever seen, calling for Armour to be fired from USA Today. Portnoy expressed strong disapproval, saying such opinions don’t belong in sports journalism.
The column has drawn backlash from various figures, including sports analyst Sam Vecenie, who questioned the editorial process that allowed the piece to be published. OutKick founder Clay Travis also voiced criticism, asserting that Armour’s place is not in sports writing. Political commentators Stephen L. Miller and Gina Milan condemned her reference to Emmett Till as inappropriate.
Amid the controversy, communications strategist Matt Whitlock criticized sports media for promoting overly progressive viewpoints. Critics like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also missed the point of the debate, as observed in the broader discussion surrounding the WNBA and Caitlin Clark.
Despite the intense response, Armour cited a racist message received by Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray. Armour acknowledged her comparison to Emmett Till lacked context but stood by her main argument about threats to WNBA players. Armour clarified her intention to connect these issues with the All-Star Game location in Chicago. She emphasized the historical context of perceived threats to White women being used against African-Americans.
Caitlin Clark spoke against abuse towards players and officials, emphasizing such behavior is unacceptable. The WNBA and its players’ union have since announced enhanced security measures in response to threats, reflecting a broader concern for player safety.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News since 2026, contributed to this report. Womack, a Long Beach State University graduate, brings experience in analyzing media’s role in politics and culture.