Robert Griffin III has jumped onto the WNBA hype train with fervor, defending Caitlin Clark from what he perceives as undue criticism and negativity from within the league. The former NFL quarterback and ex-ESPN analyst took to social media to voice his displeasure over the apparent disdain some WNBA players have for Clark, who has been a sensational figure since being drafted No. 1 overall this season.

Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, has been making headlines all season for her remarkable performances. On Sunday, she made waves once again by breaking the WNBA record for total assists by a rookie with 225, a testament to her impressive skill set and impact on the court. Despite her outstanding achievements, Clark has found herself at the center of controversy, particularly following a minor altercation with Seattle Storm’s Skylar Diggins-Smith and an evasive response from Storm player Jewell Loyd during a postgame press conference.

In response to these incidents, Griffin took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration with the apparent snubs directed at Clark. “It’s VERY CLEAR WNBA players are tired of Caitlin Clark getting all the shine and being the focal point of every discussion,” Griffin wrote. “It’s beyond competitiveness and physical play. They don’t even want to answer questions about her. If they don’t like it, THEN STOP HER.” Griffin’s message underscores a broader narrative about how Clark’s success is perceived by her peers in the league.

Clark’s stellar rookie season has indeed been a story of breaking records and challenging expectations. Not only did she shatter the assists record, but she has also been a pivotal force for the Fever, helping them match their win total from the previous year with a significant portion of the season still to play. Her performance has drawn comparisons to fellow rookie Angel Reese, who has also made a strong impression this season. Reese, playing for the same league, has set records of her own, including being the fastest to record 20 double-doubles in WNBA history and leading in double-digit rebound games.

Griffin’s advocacy for Clark is part of a broader conversation about how new talents like Clark and Reese are reshaping the WNBA. The friction between Clark and some WNBA players highlights a larger debate about recognition and respect within the league. The narrative of Clark receiving more attention than other players has sparked discussions about whether the media and fans are focusing too much on her at the expense of other deserving athletes.

This situation has also sparked reactions from other sports commentators. Shannon Sharpe, a prominent sports analyst, expressed his frustration with the negativity surrounding Clark. On his “Night Cap” podcast, Sharpe voiced his anger, saying, “Y’all [are] mad because that corn-fed Iowa girl [is] busting your ass. Y’all said she’s too weak. ‘She can’t do this.’ She’s leading the WNBA in assists. She’s cooking. Let her cook! Let her cook!” Sharpe’s passionate defense of Clark underscores the intensity of the debate and the strong feelings it has generated.

In a separate social media post, Griffin praised both Clark and Reese, emphasizing their remarkable performances and contributions to the league. He highlighted Clark’s record-breaking assists and Reese’s achievements, underscoring how both players are setting new standards for the WNBA. “Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese aren’t playing like rookies. They are TAKING THE WNBA BY STORM in their own way,” Griffin wrote. He commended Clark for breaking a 26-year-old rookie record and noted that the Fever have already matched their previous win total, reflecting her positive impact on her team.

Griffin’s outspoken support for Clark comes in the wake of his own career changes. Last week, it was announced that Griffin and Sam Ponder were leaving ESPN as part of a budgetary restructuring at the network. Griffin had been removed from “Monday Night Countdown” earlier in the year to make room for retired player Jason Kelce. Griffin has indicated that he will address questions about his departure from ESPN in the near future, but for now, his focus remains on championing the new generation of WNBA stars and defending them against what he sees as unwarranted criticism.

Overall, Robert Griffin III’s defense of Caitlin Clark highlights a significant moment in the WNBA, where new talent is making a profound impact and sparking conversations about recognition, respect, and the future of the league. As Clark continues to shine on the court, the debates around her place in the WNBA narrative are likely to persist, reflecting both the excitement and complexity of the evolving sports landscape.