WWE’s Pat McAfee Apologises After Controversial Caitlin Clark Remark
WWE announcer Pat McAfee caused a stir with comments made about WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark that he has now apologised for.
Caitlin Clark burst onto the basketball scene in college and is now one of the most talked about sports stars in America as she plays for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.
Clark was in the headlines recently after suffering an off-the-ball foul from an opponent as her status and reputation seem to have won her very few friends on the court.
The former Indianapolis Colts punter spoke about the incident on The Pat McAfee Show and it was his use of the words “White b*tch” in reference to Clark that caused a storm. McAfee originally said:
What we’re trying to say is, what the WNBA currently has is what we like to describe as a cash cow. There is a superstar,” McAfee said Monday morning. “I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class’. Nah, just call it for what it is – there’s one White b—- for the Indiana team who is a superstar.
Is there a chance people just enjoy watching her play basketball because of how electrifying she is, what she did, what she stood for, how she went about going, what she went for?
Maybe. But instead, we have to hear people say we only like her because she’s White, and she’s only popular because the rest of the rookie class is doing what they’re doing. Well, that’s a bunch of bulls**t and we think the WNBA — more specifically their refs — need to stop trying to screw her over at every single turn. What you have is somebody special and we’re lucky she’s here in Indiana.
Pat McAfee Apologises For Caitlin Clark “White B*tch” Remark
The comment drew instant backlash online from many and now taking to social media, Pat McAfee addressed his remarks and issued an apology regarding the words he used that he intended to be taken as a compliment:
I shouldn’t have used “white b*tch” as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark. No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening.. I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe.
My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize… I have sent an apology to Caitlin as well.
Everything else I said… still alllllll facts. #Journalism#WNBAProgrum#SheIsTheOne
I shouldn’t have used “white bitch” as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark. No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening.. I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe.
My intentions when saying… pic.twitter.com/F6OHB4gvYh
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 3, 2024
Pat McAfee previously drew criticism from one WWE Hall of Famer for his commentary style not long after he began his role as Raw’s full-time announcer alongside Michael Cole.