Clark vs. Reese: A Rivalry Ignites in the WNBA

The WNBA's newest star, Caitlin Clark, has quickly become a target of controversy on and off the court. Her popularity has sparked both admiration and jealousy, leading to a brewing rivalry with fellow rookie Angel Reese.

Caitlin Clark's rapid ascent to stardom in the WNBA has captivated the sports world, but it seems not everyone in the league is embracing the rookie's meteoric rise. Clark has been met with a barrage of chatter about the catalyst behind her popularity, coupled with hard and flagrant fouls on the basketball court.

Despite the controversies, Clark has largely remained composed, even as she has been baited to engage in the "culture wars" ahead of her game against the Atlanta Dream. Former MLB pitcher David Wells believes that Clark's popularity will inevitably draw envy from her colleagues.

Clark vs. Reese: A Rivalry Ignites in the WNBA

"Nobody wants to be pushed around, but they're flagrant, you can't really do anything about it," said Wells. "That's the discrepancy of the referee to do that. But it looks bad on the other person. She's always taking the high road, which is tip your cap."

Wells advises Clark to develop a "thick skin" to navigate the challenges that come with being a rising star. "She's taking the high road, killing them with kindness," he said. "And that to me, you see when people do that, it really p---es the other person off because they want a reaction out of them. It's going to happen eventually; someone's going to cheap-shot her, and she's going to turn around and deck them."

Clark vs. Reese: A Rivalry Ignites in the WNBA

The rivalry between Clark and Reese, who recently committed a flagrant foul on Clark in the Indiana Fever's victory against the Chicago Sky, has become a focal point of the WNBA season. Wells believes that this rivalry, along with other emerging rivalries, will have a positive impact on the league's revenue and merchandise sales.

"She's becoming a merchandise machine," said Wells. "The sales are going to go up because of her. Kids are going to want to get her jersey and be like her."

Clark vs. Reese: A Rivalry Ignites in the WNBA

Wells, who is preparing to play in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament next month, is impressed by Clark's poise under pressure. "She's going to meet her share of jealous colleagues," he said. "That's just part of the game."

Clark's ability to handle the spotlight and the challenges that come with being a high-profile athlete will be a key factor in her long-term success. As she continues to navigate the complexities of the WNBA, the rivalry with Reese and others will undoubtedly add fuel to her already explosive popularity.