Caitlin Clark is making her position crystal clear after Indiana Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell opened up about the hate and criticism she has received while playing alongside one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball.
Mitchell’s comments following the Fever’s 2026 season drew significant attention after the veteran guard described how difficult it can be to deal with the enormous spotlight surrounding Clark and the Fever.
Now, Clark has responded.
And she didn’t mince words.
“That’s Not Something I Stand For”
During her end-of-season exit interview Thursday, Clark was asked about Mitchell’s comments and the experience of being her teammate.
Clark said Mitchell’s experience genuinely bothers her.
“As her teammate, it makes you upset because you care about your teammates so much, and you don’t want any of them to go through something like that.”
Clark acknowledged that the attention surrounding her doesn’t stop with her.
Because of the enormous following she has accumulated, her teammates inevitably become part of that spotlight as well.
And sometimes, Clark said, that attention comes with an ugly side.
“As far as people that have used me to demonstrate racist hate or rhetoric, that’s not something I stand for. It’s never been something I’ve stood for.”
Clark continued by making it clear that racism, hate and discrimination do not represent her values.
She said it is particularly disappointing when people attempt to associate that behavior with her.
“That’s not who I am.”
Mitchell: “We Get a Lot of Flak”
Mitchell, who has spent her entire WNBA career with Indiana, addressed the issue during her season exit interview earlier this month.
The four-time All-Star acknowledged that playing alongside Clark has brought enormous attention to the Fever — but said there is another side to that spotlight.
Mitchell said she has received hateful messages and described the emotional difficulty of showing up to play for fans who may not appreciate her.
“Playing with [Caitlin Clark] and having the eyes that she got, we get a lot of flak just for being on her team.”
Mitchell also asked fans to give Fever players more grace.
Her comments came after a season in which the Fever became one of the most closely watched teams in the WNBA, while also dealing with controversy surrounding fan behavior.
Clark Doesn’t Want Her Name Used That Way
Clark’s response is significant because she isn’t simply defending Mitchell.
She’s drawing a line between her supporters and people who use her popularity to justify hateful behavior.
That distinction matters.
Clark has one of the largest fanbases in women’s sports, and the attention surrounding her has transformed the Fever into one of the WNBA’s biggest attractions.
But Clark made clear that supporting her does not mean attacking her teammates.
And she certainly does not want her name associated with racist rhetoric or discrimination.
What Happens With Kelsey Mitchell?
The timing of the conversation is particularly important.
Mitchell is entering unrestricted free agency following a career year in which she averaged 24.7 points per game and shot 45.0% from three-point range.
The Fever now have a major offseason decision to make.
Keeping Clark, Mitchell and the rest of Indiana’s core together would give the franchise one of the most talented backcourts in the WNBA.
But Mitchell’s comments also raise questions about whether she wants to continue playing in an environment where she feels the weight of Clark’s enormous spotlight.
For Clark, however, the message appears simple:
She wants Mitchell back — and she wants her teammate to feel supported.
The basketball decision will belong to the Fever.
But Clark has made her personal position clear.
Racism, hate and discrimination aren’t part of the Caitlin Clark brand — and she doesn’t want anyone using her name to justify it.
What do you think?
Was Caitlin Clark right to directly address the issue?
And if you’re the Fever, how important is it to bring Kelsey Mitchell back?
Drop your thoughts below — but keep the conversation respectful.
WHAT WE KNOW
- Caitlin Clark: Publicly condemned the use of her name to promote racist rhetoric, hate or discrimination.
- Kelsey Mitchell: Said playing alongside Clark brings additional attention and that Fever players can receive significant online backlash.
- Mitchell’s 2026 season: 24.7 PPG and 45.0% from three.
- Free agency: Mitchell enters unrestricted free agency ahead of the 2027 season.
- The bigger issue: Clark’s massive popularity has created unprecedented attention around her teammates — both positive and negative.
