ESPN’s Monica McNutt says Caitlin Clark needs ‘accountability’ in bizarre smear - New York Post

What the report says

The New York Post reported that ESPN analyst Monica McNutt criticized Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s comments about media coverage as the WNBA’s All-Star Weekend concluded. The story centers on Clark’s recent ESPN interview with Malika Andrews, published Sunday, in which Clark discussed the attention surrounding her on-court interactions with opponents, including a prior incident involving Alyssa Thomas hitting her in the throat during a game.

According to the Post, Clark said the public discussion around those moments has become draining and that she should not have to leave the locker room worried about what the next narrative will be. McNutt responded by questioning Clark’s use of the word “fearful,” saying players accused of crossing competitive lines often face the harshest backlash on social media. McNutt also said Clark, whom she described as a major young star in the WNBA, could show more accountability and self-awareness about her place in the league’s broader community.

The Post said McNutt’s remarks prompted criticism from Clark supporters online, including comparisons to former ESPN personality Ryan Clark and calls for McNutt to have been among employees affected by recent ESPN layoffs. The article frames the exchange as part of a larger debate over how Clark is covered, defended and criticized in and around the WNBA.

The report also noted that scrutiny of Clark’s treatment has extended beyond sports media. It cited a letter from 11 Republican House lawmakers to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert seeking league accountability over physical play involving the Fever star. The Post did not report any league action tied to McNutt’s comments.