Matt Leinart reacts to WNBA players' 'jealousy' toward Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark has infused the WNBA with tons of cash, ratings, and media attention practically overnight. Since she entered the league this summer (her rookie year), the league’s players have enjoyed plenty of new attention, fame, media buzz, and perks. But with all the attention surrounding Clark there’s plenty of jealousy surrounding her, too. On Saturday afternoon, former USC star Matt Leinart chimed in, after Clark was the victim of some cheap shots from Chicago Sky players.

You can call it what you want but the jealousy toward someone who literally is changing the game for women’s basketball and putting more money in everyone’s pockets is astonishing. Next level jealousy. Keep being you Goat!

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) June 1, 2024

“You can call it what you want but the jealousy toward someone who literally is changing the game for women’s basketball and putting more money in everyone’s pockets is astonishing. Next level jealousy. Keep being you Goat!” Leinart tweeted on Saturday afternoon.

Then he chimed in with another tweet.

WNBA commish better start protecting their new star.

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) June 1, 2024

“WNBA commish better start protecting their new star.”

Later on Saturday evening, another account posted an in-depth look at the confrontation between Clark and Chennedy Carter.

Here's an extended look at the Caitlin Clark – Chennedy Carter incident, there was more to it than the shoulder check and Clark was clearly talking to her on the way back up the floor from the prior basket by Indiana pic.twitter.com/1XG1RyzTw4

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 1, 2024

It didn’t take Leinart long to respond to the tweet above.

Shit talking , physical play all good. Dish it have to take it but that’s not a basketball play. That’s a cheap shot.

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) June 1, 2024

“Sh#t talking, physical play all good. Dish it have to take it but that’s not a basketball play. That’s a cheap shot,” Leinart replied.

Clark and the Fever got their second win of the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon, with a 71-70 win. Clark chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Angel Reese had eight points and 13 rebounds for the Sky. Chennedy Carter finished with 19 points, six assists, and four rebounds.

The Indiana Fever improved their overall record to 2-8 overall and 1-4 at home. The Chicago Sky now sit at 3-4 and 2-2 on the road. The Fever had four consecutive home losses before Saturday’s win. It marked the latest clash between two college rivals, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Former South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso also made her regular-season debut, stuffing the stat sheet with 11 points and six rebounds.

Chennedy Carter was unapologetic after the incident

Chennedy Carter was unapologetic after shoulder checking Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark to the ground on Saturday. The foul occurred in the third quarter of a contest between the Fever and Chicago Sky just before Clark was set to receive an inbounds pass.

Carter was seen yelling “you b*tch” in the direction of Clark, who didn’t seem to notice her approaching as she was waiting for the ball. The Chicago Sky guard then bumped her hard, knocking her to the ground. It was ruled an away-from-the-play foul rather than a flagrant and Clark was awarded one free throw.

Carter declined to answer any questions about the incident in her postgame interview. She also claimed not to know what Clark said prior that would have warranted such a reaction. However, her activity on social media after the game painted a picture as to how she felt.

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this article.