Monica McNutt is trying to become the female Ryan Clark with latest Caitlin Clark smear - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News published an OutKick opinion column by Bobby Burack criticizing ESPN commentator Monica McNutt over her recent commentary about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and wider WNBA media coverage. The column says McNutt argued Sunday that Clark bears responsibility for some negative attention around the league because, in McNutt’s view, Clark has lacked “accountability” and “self-awareness.” Burack disputes that framing and portrays it as unfairly assigning blame to Clark for controversies involving other players and media outlets.

The piece also references social media posts by WNBA player DiJonai Carrington, who publicly accused her former girlfriend of cheating with multiple women connected to the league. Burack uses that episode to argue that controversies unrelated to Clark are nevertheless being tied to her in some commentary. The article further cites recent media disputes involving Clark, including coverage of physical play against her and criticism of how outlets discuss race, gender and popularity in the WNBA.

A major focus of the column is ESPN’s on-air direction. Burack compares McNutt to former ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, saying ESPN recently ended ties with Clark and Cam Newton amid talent changes. He argues McNutt’s approach damages ESPN’s credibility and says she should be the network’s “next casualty.” The column also contrasts McNutt with Chiney Ogwumike, whom it says recently acknowledged that discussion of Clark should return more to basketball.

The article matters as part of the continuing debate over Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA, how sports media covers race and gender, and how major networks manage commentators whose opinions generate backlash.