Sheila Johnson has her personal concepts for Time journal.
The Washington Mystics co-owner stirred debate on Friday along with her criticism of Time journal’s resolution to call Caitlin Clark as its “Athlete of the Year,” questioning why the remainder of the league wasn’t given recognition.
Johnson expressed considerations that the award’s singular concentrate on the Indiana Fever megastar would unintentionally convey division amongst gamers within the WNBA — Clark’s friends.
Johnson, whereas chatting with CNN, questioned aloud why Time “couldn’t have put the whole WNBA on that cover,” given the expertise within the league.
Added Johnson: “While Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly talented, putting one individual on such a pedestal can foster resentment in a team sport like basketball. It doesn’t reflect the collective efforts that make the game so special… When you just keep singling out one player, it creates hard feelings.”
Johnson additionally introduced up Angel Reese, who has been lined with Clark over their on-court rivalry, which started in faculty.
“This year, something clicked with the WNBA, and it’s because of the draft of players that came in. It’s not just Caitlin Clark, it’s Reese [as well]. We have so much talent out there.”
Clark, who had a stellar rookie season with the Indiana Fever, grew to become the primary participant since 2008 to earn each Rookie of the Yr and a spot on the All-WNBA First Workforce.
Her accomplishments, together with her function in boosting WNBA viewership, have been extensively mentioned, even going again to her affect on faculty basketball.
Johnson’s feedback have sparked a broader dialog about how particular person honors in group sports activities can form dynamics, each on and off the court docket.
