Serena Williams' opening monologue at the ESPYs included a joke about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark's popularity, comparing her to Larry Bird and suggesting that "White people are really crazy about you." The remark follows Williams' recent advice to Clark, attributing the controversy surrounding her pro debut to jealousy.
Serena Williams' hosting debut at the ESPYs was not without its moments of controversy. During her opening monologue, the tennis legend made a joke about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, recognizing her three nominations but also poking fun at the debate surrounding her unprecedented popularity in the league.
"Caitlin Clark has had an amazing year and is nominated for three awards," Williams said. "Caitlin, you are the Larry Bird in that you are an amazing player, you have ties to Indiana, and White people are really crazy about you."
Serena Williams' ESPY Monologue Sparked Controversy with 'Larry Bird' Joke About Caitlin Clark
The remark was met with mixed reactions, with some finding it humorous and others criticizing it as insensitive. Williams' joke drew attention to the ongoing debate about Clark's meteoric rise to stardom and her status as a white athlete in a league predominantly featuring black players.
Williams' joke is not the first time the topic of race has been brought up in relation to Clark's success. In June, Williams suggested that Clark's critics were motivated by jealousy, arguing that she was "just doing what she's doing" and that "negative people can't do what you do."
Serena Williams' ESPY Monologue Sparked Controversy with 'Larry Bird' Joke About Caitlin Clark
Despite the criticism, Clark has continued to break records and defy expectations. Over the weekend, she became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double. She also received the most votes for the WNBA All-Star Game, and this week, she became the first WNBA player to get at least 25 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, five steals, and five 3-pointers in a single game.
In her acceptance speech for the two awards she won at the ESPYs, Clark acknowledged the ongoing debate but remained focused on her performance on the court. "I'm a little bit busy in Indianapolis," she said via videotape. "It was a special year in women's athletics."
Serena Williams' ESPY Monologue Sparked Controversy with 'Larry Bird' Joke About Caitlin Clark
Williams' joke has sparked a wider discussion about race, representation, and the challenges faced by female athletes of color in professional sports. It remains to be seen whether the conversation will lead to meaningful change or simply fade into the background as Clark continues to make history on the court.
