Sheila Johnson has her personal concepts for Time journal.
The Washington Mystics co-owner stirred debate on Friday together with her criticism of Time journal’s determination to call Caitlin Clark as its “Athlete of the Year,” questioning why the remainder of the league wasn’t given recognition.
Johnson expressed considerations that the award’s singular concentrate on the Indiana Fever megastar would unintentionally deliver division amongst gamers within the WNBA — Clark’s friends.
Johnson, whereas chatting with CNN, questioned aloud why Time “couldn’t have put the entire WNBA on that cowl,” given the expertise within the league.
Added Johnson: “While Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly proficient, placing one particular person on such a pedestal can foster resentment in a group sport like basketball. It doesn’t mirror the collective efforts that make the sport so particular… When you simply hold singling out one participant, it creates arduous emotions.”
Johnson additionally introduced up Angel Reese, who has been lined with Clark over their on-court rivalry, which started in faculty.
“This 12 months, one thing clicked with the WNBA, and it’s due to the draft of gamers that got here in. It’s not simply Caitlin Clark, it’s Reese [as well]. We have a lot expertise on the market.”
Clark, who had a stellar rookie season with the Indiana Fever, turned the primary participant since 2008 to earn each Rookie of the Year and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.
Her accomplishments, together with her function in boosting WNBA viewership, have been extensively mentioned, even going again to her influence on faculty basketball.
Johnson’s feedback have sparked a broader dialog about how particular person honors in group sports activities can form dynamics, each on and off the courtroom.
