Dick Vitale Had Animated Response to Unexpected Caitlin Clark News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

On Monday, the WNBA announced its starters for this year’s All-Star game, which will take place on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Fever. Not surprisingly, Fever star Caitlin Clark was named a starter and a captain after she led everyone in fan voting.

However, she ranked just ninth in player balloting among guards. In fact, teammate Kelsey Mitchell got more votes than Clark from fellow WNBA players.

Longtime basketball commentator and former head coach Dick Vitale took to X to accuse other players of letting jealousy get in the way of voting for Clark, a player who has taken the league into the stratosphere.

Absolutely PURE JEALOUSY that ⁦@WNBA⁩ players voted Caitlin Clark the 9 th best guard . Some day they will realize what she Has done for ALL of the players in the WNBA . Charted planes – increase in salaries-sold out crowds – improved TV Ratings https://t.co/TwGj1DtQMU

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 1, 2025

The WNBA and women’s basketball in general used to be a punchline across the sports world. But ever since her senior year at Iowa during the 2023-24 campaign, Clark has generated an unprecedented amount of interest in the sport.

As Vitale pointed out, thanks to Clark’s influence, WNBA teams now have chartered planes, salaries have increased and overall interest in the league has gone through the roof.

Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) defends against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (left).© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

But there has been somewhat of a backlash against Clark for undefined reason, and as a result, there are a few who don’t fully appreciate her game or what she has done for the sport.

While she has struggled with her shooting since entering the league last year, she has almost single-handedly made the Fever competitive. Despite being in and out of the lineup lately due to injury, they have won six of their last 10 games and currently hold an 8-8 record.

They will play for the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday against the Minnesota Lynx. Clark’s status for that game is uncertain due to a groin injury.

Related: Caitlin Clark Shows Support for Former Iowa Hawkeyes Star on Monday

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.