Caitlin Clark one vote shy of unanimous Rookie of the Year Shannon Sharpe fuels controversy

Was it a personal decision?

Caitlin Clark / Shannon SharpeAP / X

Caitlin Clark falls one vote short of unanimity and controversy erupts: Clark, who dazzled during her rookie season in the WNBA and won the coveted 2024 Rookie of the Year award, has ignited a debate that no one expected. With 66 of a possible 67 votes, the 22-year-old fell just one vote short of becoming only the fifth player in league history to win the award unanimously. The reason? That lone vote went to Angel Reese, and many, including die-hard fans like Shannon Sharpe, believe there is more behind the decision.

On his “Nightcap” show, former NFL player and commentator Shannon Sharpe made no secret of his annoyance at what happened. “It seems personal,” Sharpe commented, insinuating that the vote could have been a retaliation against Clark. And no wonder: not only did Caitlin lead the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, but she was also the rookie leader in points and assists, breaking records and leaving an indelible mark on the season.

Shannon Sharpe defends Caitlin Clark and sparks controversy

Sharpe compared the situation to the famous case in which Ken Griffey Jr. was not unanimously voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, which sparked a similar controversy. “I don’t understand how you come to the conclusion that Caitlin Clark should not be the unanimous choice,” Sharpe continued, stressing that the young star’s impact on the league has been undeniable, both in the game and in the ratings.

The controversy has echoed not only among Clark fans, but also among women’s basketball followers. After the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the playoffs, both game attendance and television ratings dropped noticeably, which Sharpe says demonstrates Clark’s magnetism in the league. “When she was playing, people were watching the games. Now, the numbers are not the same,” he said.

Despite falling one vote short of unanimity, Caitlin Clark is still considered a generational talent. Her humility and respect for past generations have won over fans, and her connection with the likes of Sharpe only strengthens her place in the pantheon of women’s basketball greats. But the debate remains open: was that lone vote fair or was it really personal?

With a season full of records and shining moments, Caitlin Clark has secured her place in basketball history. But this controversial vote has opened up a new conversation about the dynamics behind awards and voting in the WNBA.

Will Angel Reese remain a rival to Clark or will we see a future collaboration on the court?

What is clear is that this story doesn’t end here, and fans will be watching every step of Caitlin Clark’s promising career.

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