Caitlin Clark snub explodes into WNBA firestorm after Dick Vitale calls out jealous players
The WNBA world lit up with debate after ESPN legend Dick Vitale slammed the players' All-Star voting results, calling out 'pure jealousy' over Caitlin Clark's low ranking. Despite leading in fan votes and earning a captain spot, Clark was voted just ninth among guards by fellow players.
Vitale's fiery reaction has reignited discussion over Clark's growing impact and controversy in her rookie season.
Dick Vitale blasts player vote over Caitlin Clark in July 2025 All‑Star selection
On July 1, ESPN icon Dick Vitale known as 'Dickie V' took to X to criticize WNBA players' All‑Star voting. He pointed out that Caitlin Elizabeth Clark was ranked only ninth among guards by her fellow professionals. 'Absolutely PURE JEALOUSY,' he wrote. 'Someday they will realize what she has done for ALL of the players in the WNBA.
Charted planes – increase in salaries – sold out crowds – improved TV Ratings.'
Clark earned her All‑Star spot primarily through strong support from fans and media. She placed first in fans' votes and third in media rankings, securing her captain role for the July 19 event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Still, the players' low ranking stung Vitale, who argued it betrayed a reaction rooted in envy rather than merit.
Caitlin Clark's season stats and league impact draw both praise and scrutiny
Caitlin Clark, 23-year-old guard for the Indiana Fever, has made waves since entering the WNBA. Despite missing seven of her team's 16 games due to quad and groin injuries, she still averages 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. However, her field-goal percentage sits at 39%, and she's shooting around 29.5% from 3-point range.
Her strong fan following made history, she received 1.3 million fan votes, the most ever in WNBA All‑Star voting.
She also claimed third place among media voters. But peer voting ranked her outside the top eight guards, which many, like Vitale, found baffling.
Vitale argued that Clark's presence has boosted the league in obvious ways. He said the WNBA now has chartered flights, sold-out arenas, rising salaries, and stronger TV ratings and she deserves credit for all of it.
Some analysts suggested that her low player vote could reflect concerns about her time on court.
Missing nearly half the games surely made an impression among fellow players.
Also Read:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA's Highest-Paid Player with $285M Thunder Extension After Historic MVP Season
Still, Caitlin Clark's dominant fan and media support earned her a captain spot. Now set for the July 19 All‑Star Game, she will lead a team and has a chance to show why Vitale and many others believe she deserves every bit of the spotlight, despite some resistance within the league.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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