‘Did You Get Poked In The Eye With Long Fingernails?’: Shaq Says Caitlin Clark Targeting Is Rite Of Passage She Has To ‘Toughen Up’, Then Her Fans Turn On Him
There’s been much made about the supposed rough treatment that Caitlin Clark has endured from jealous players across the league. The concern reached the doorstep of the federal government, as House Republicans thought it vital enough to the security of our country to write a letter imploring the WNBA to protect its cash cow.
Ever since the complaints and accusations hit a peak when Alyssa Thomas was suspended for placing her fist on Clark’s throat, Clark has gotten the foul calls, trips to the free throw line and protection that her supporters cried for.
Shaquille O’Neal is one of those Clark supporters, but he also feels like nothing is happening to her that hasn’t happened to other stars of the past. The Big Diesel knows a thing or two about having to play through contact and being the target of the opposing team.
Shaquille O'Neal says WNBA players' treatment of Caitlin Clark is a rite of passage https://t.co/pBdERzha17
Shaquille O’Neal Says Clark Still Has To Earn Her Stripes
Speaking to CNBC Sport, Shaquille O’Neal shared his opinions, claiming that the intense physicality and targeted play she faces is simply a standard “rite of passage” that every game-changing player must go through before truly owning the league.
“All the greats have to go through what we call rites of passage. She’s a fabulous player, but we’re not giving you anything, ever. You have to earn it,” he said.
“So for her, she needs to toughen up, take those licks, and show them that, ‘These licks don’t bother me.’”
On July 17, CC scored a career-high 45 points against the Seattle Storm. Shaq pointed that record-breaking game, the first 40 point, 10-assist game in league history, as an example of how Clark will eventually make her haters bow down to her greatness.
“Keep doing that, and the rites of passage will start to open up, and they will invite you in and give you the throne,” O’Neal said.
Shaq never lied. It seems that the alleged targeting and jealousy isn’t as much of an issue when Clark is thriving and winning. While he respects Clark’s game, he does feel things get overblown when it comes to the former Iowa Hawkeyes star.
Caitlin Clark Fans Think Shaq Is Blind
Fans were split on Shaq’s comments.
“I remember when Michael Jordan came in the league the strategy to stop him was to be extremely physical with him, same thing with Shaq. Once Caitlin Starts winning rings she’ll start getting the Michael Jordan treatment, until then she’ll be treated like everyone else,” one fan agreed.
But the pushback against this theory is always the same. Fans think that WNBA players should kiss the ring because Clark has helped to raise marketability, profitability and visibility since entering the league in 2024.
“Pro athletes do go through this. But Shaq left out what Caitlin has brought to the league already-increased pay, increase sponsorship, private air travel and a general increase in financial support for the league. And it’s not just say by 25%-it’s exponential. And a substantial increase in franchise fees,” said one fan who’s against anyone laying a finger on Clark because she’s the cash cow.
Shaquille O’Neal says WNBA star Caitlin Clark has to “toughen up” because all great players are targeted in some way and it’s a rites of passage to ascend to legendary status. Her fans didn’t like it. (Getty Images)
“Respectfully Shaq, NO OTHER PLAYER has been treated like this PERIOD!” one X user commented.
“Whatever shaq,” a netizen tweeted. “Did you get poked in the eye with long fingernails?”
“Not even close,” another fan replied to Shaq. ” Getting the sh-t kicked out of you nightly is NOT a right of passage. Go tell the big buffoon he’s full of sh*t.”
“Hardly; this is racism,” a netizen stated.
“you’re right, you’re NOT giving her anything. she’s f-cking EARNED it all on her own. what a bunch of bs,” a Clark proponent tweeted.
Whether you agree or disagree with Shaq, at the end of the day it will be Clark who determines how all fo this shakes out. It doesn’t help that he personally recruited fellow LSU alum Angel Reese to be the new face of Reebok and they have a close relationship. That makes anything he says about Clark questionable in the eyes of some fans.
