The debate has highlighted the broader issue of player autonomy and the pressures athletes face regarding national loyalty versus career opportunities. As the conversation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Clark and Reese will respond to Griner’s remarks and whether this controversy will impact their future decisions.

The incident underscores the passionate emotions that sports can evoke and the complex dynamics athletes navigate in their professional journeys.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation develops and what it might mean for the future of basketball on both sides of the border.

The footage later caught the attention of tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who condemned the foul play. Reacting to the video, she said that the incident was “not okay”.

“This is not ok…” She wrote.

When a fan agreed with her comments in a thread, she further elaborated on her stance, calling it a “cheap shot”.

“I mean what a cheap shot. They just don’t get it… of course it’s a foul…” She added.

Additionally, a fan disapproved of Reese’s gesture toward Clark, and Navratilova concurred. She suggested that Clark’s influence in the league will positively impact everyone, in the present and the future as well.

“The players in the WNBA need to realize that Caitlyn Clark is helping all of them, now and in the long run. Caitlyn is the tide that will raise all boats!”

Moreover, tennis legend Patrick McEnroe also chimed in to comment on the incident, calling it an “absolute outrage.”

“It is an absolute outrage what’s happening to Caitlin Clark in the @WNBA” McEnroe wrote.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been playing together since their college basketball days. They started playing against each other in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and extended their rivalry to the National Championships.

Both players turned professional in the 2024 WNBA draft, with Clark joining the Indiana Fever and Reese being selected seventh by the Chicago Sky.

Martiпa Navratilova previoυsly sυpported WNBA star Aпgel Reese oп social media

BNP Paribas WTA Finals: Singapore 2016 – Day Seven

Earlier in April, Martina Navratilova had backed Angel Reese when the latter indirectly spoke out about the increasing participation of trans athletes in women’s sports and raised her voice to protect younger women. Reese expressed her views оп X, writing:

“protect young women in sports!!!”

The post further caught the attention of Navratilova, who backed the WNBA starlet and wrote

“Right on Angel!!!”

Martina Navratilova is known for being vocal about her views on social media, and also consistently raises her voice for women’s rights in sports. Recently, she criticized a bar for celebrating a trans athlete’s win at a women’s track championship. The bar, called “The Sports Bra”, is backed by Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian.