While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both been the go-to WNBA names, ESPN broadcaster Ryan Ruocco claimed that the league needs to do better in one aspect.

“People have to be critical of more than just Caitlin Clark,” he said during the latest appearance on the Road Trippin’ Show. Most of the ecosystem feels comfortable being critical about one player, maybe two; Angel (Reese) would be the other.”

Reese's 2023 NCAA "you can’t see me” taunt to Clark or Clark smiling at Reese’s game-winning layup miss in the latest Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever matchup, the spotlight chased these two through college to the W.

But it’s not just these interactive moments. Often, Clark’s defense, turnovers or Reese's rebounding have received way more criticism than any other WNBA players do for their game. Blowing things out of proportion for these two has been a common pattern.

And this outsized scrutiny needs to stop.

“For this league to grow, people have to feel comfortable being critical, and it not being a personal attack or hating,” he added to the same segment. “(About) everybody else (other than Reese and Clark), people are very afraid to say anything bad, even if it's a very small micro thing.”

After all, that’s just not how you treat a real sport.

Ryan Ruocco Outlined How Things Should Be Instead

Amidst this rampant online criticism, personal attacks, and hate mainly directed at just two players, the broadcaster believed that the reporters and analysts should practice their traditional roles more firmly. They need to break down plays, point out flaws and credit good games.

“Real sports are (about) being able to break down (games)…” he said during the same sitting. “(And) understand that we can still be really impressed with their season. And also project ahead, like, ‘yeah, I'm not sure you're going to have enough scoring come the playoffs. If you do, I'll tip my cap.’”

Surely Clark and Reese have elevated the league in unprecedented ways. But if it wants to keep growing, giving all players and games equal or similar spotlight is the way to go.

Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy