Kelsey Plum acknowledged that she made a poor joke when she criticized Caitlin Clark and her All-Star teammates last month during the WNBA All-Star weekend. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding the league’s ongoing protests and players demanding fair compensation.
Before the game, many WNBA players wore T-shirts that read
“Pay us what you owe us,”
emphasizing the unresolved issues between players and league management. Plum suggested to reporters following the match that none of Caitlin Clark’s teammates were actively involved in the protest decisions, despite them wearing the same shirts.
Kelsey Plum Reflects on Her Remarks and the Context
On the ‘Bird’s Eye View’ podcast with Sue Bird, Plum explained she intended to joke about Team Clark celebrating heavily the night before their game. However, the comment quickly stirred controversy.
“Oh, I made a bad joke. I made a really bad joke,”
she admitted.
Tough one.
She also recognized the seriousness of the situation, saying:
“I should have… because of the shirts, because of the fans, I should have known it was a way more serious moment than a typical All-Star Game,”
she added.
“Because I went into that press conference very happy-go-lucky, we won. Had a great weekend, my family’s here, it was just a great time.”
Affirming Unity Despite the Disagreement
Plum clarified that all players were united in their protest efforts, despite the tensions that her comment sparked. She expressed disappointment that her joke may have detracted from the weight of the message the players aimed to send.
“We all wore the shirts, we’re all unified. And I think if anything, I was just more discouraged because I felt like it took away from the moment of what we were trying to do,”
Plum said.
Caitlin Clark responded swiftly to Plum’s remarks with sharp humor, continuing the underlying tension among players as the league navigates this fraught period.
Looking Ahead: WNBA Players Push for Better Agreements
The WNBA players’ union recently opted out of their current collective bargaining agreement, which is set to expire on October 31. Negotiations for a new deal are underway, aiming to improve player compensation and conditions. This dispute over fair pay and recognition remains a critical issue for the league and its athletes.
The exchange between Plum and Clark highlights ongoing divisions amid a united front for league reform, showing the emotional and complex dynamics within professional women’s basketball right now.