The Caitlin Clark effect has brought more fans and attention to the WNBA. It has also put more focus on everything around the Indiana Fever star. Now, commentator Shemeka Michelle has pointed out a clear difference between two of Clark’s teammates. 

Michelle compared comments from Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham, saying they have different views on fans, criticism, and pressure. Michelle believes players should not expect special treatment because more attention also brings more pressure. 

Talking about the difference, she said, “Two different responses. They both play in the WNBA. They both play with Caitlin Clark, but two different responses…new level, new devil.”

Michelle shared the full discussion on her X account, and in one part, she said that the difference goes beyond just two players having different opinions.

She sees it as part of a bigger discussion about the WNBA. As the league gets more attention, players will also face more criticism.

Michelle then looked at Sophie Cunningham’s response to the attention around Caitlin Clark. She said players should accept the attention instead of expecting special treatment.

Michelle also linked this to the WNBA’s push for equality, saying more attention will naturally bring more criticism. She made this point while talking about the WNBA's desire for more respect. 

Michelle said, “If you want equality, if you want people to take you seriously, if you want to take the league seriously, if you want to be treated with the same praise or reverence that people in the NBA have, you're going to have to toughen up.”

Michelle believes serious attention from fans will not always be positive. Fans may praise players one day and criticize them the next. She sees that as a normal part of professional sports.

Shemeka Michelle explains her bigger point about the WNBA

Michelle's comparison between Mitchell and Cunningham became part of a bigger argument about the WNBA's growing audience.

The league has wanted more fans, more attention, and more respect for women's basketball. Michelle believes the WNBA is now getting more of that attention. But she also believes players must accept the criticism that comes with it.

According to Michelle, fans will not always support players. They will also question them, criticize them, and argue about their performances.

She explained this point by saying, “Sports fans are not cheerleaders. They are not going to always be cheering you on. They're not going to always be telling you how great you are, how fast you run, how well you can jump.”

Michelle believes fans become more emotional when they care more about a sport. They discuss players, teams, games, and controversial moments because they are invested in what they watch.

She also returned to the idea of equality. In her view, WNBA players cannot ask for the benefits of a bigger platform while rejecting the pressure that comes with it.

Michelle ended with a direct message, “You can't demand the benefits of being on a larger platform or playing at a higher level while resenting the pressure that comes along with it.”

That is why Michelle's “new level, new devil” line is important to her argument. The WNBA is reaching a higher level of attention. With that growth, its biggest stars will also face more pressure and criticism.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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