The WNBA has faced intense scrutiny since Caitlin Clark joined the league. She has found herself at the center of cultural disputes and has experienced harsh plays, perceived as stemming from jealousy from fellow players.

The league is embroiled in internal conflicts, notably regarding the issue of transgender athletes. This situation intensified when the league removed a post about a wager between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers.

The two athletes made a video showing a $400 bet on a game involving their teams. However, wagering is against the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, specifically outlined in Section 5 of Article 14 concerning gambling.

A WNBA representative said that the video was meant to be light and engaging, but it did not succeed in its intention.

In contrast, Shaquille O’Neal saw the incident as trivial. He explained that such bets, known as ‘homeboy bets,’ shouldn’t be overly criticized. According to him, these actions don’t equate to serious gambling infractions.

O’Neal acknowledged the ‘professional jealousy’ surrounding Clark but considered it a typical initiation. “It’s called the rites of passage,” he noted.

“Other players feel overlooked compared to Clark,” O’Neal remarked. “Facing challenges from peers is a part of the game. Once Clark continues to excel, her acceptance is inevitable.”

O’Neal added that Caitlin Clark’s resilience will help her overcome current challenges. He suggested that Clark adopt a more assertive approach like Angel Reese, who is known for her boldness and competitive spirit.

Recently, Clark criticized the WNBA for not providing adequate protection for its players, both on and off the court.

Mark Harris from OutKick contributed additional insights to this report.