READ DESC. BEFORE COMMENTING | What if Iowa Basketball Superstar Caitlin Clark Were Black?

NOTE: People have embarrassed themselves by reading the title and then leaving a drive-by insult. Life Lesson 101: Don't prejudge, and don't make assumptions based on your own biases. The number of people who have had egg on their face after their comment because they didn't watch but assumed is HUGE. As a message particularly to those who fall into that category, I put out this episode: • Follow-Up: Those Who ✅... .
Okay, now read the rest, and then enjoy this video. ❤️
The title of this episode of The Adrienne Ross Show will trigger some people--unnecessarily--which I already experienced in my social media promotion reel upon recording. Do yourself a favor, though: Watch before you assume my position. And for those who would ask me this question concerning the title: "What difference does it make?" watch before you ask me! Caitlin Clark is amazing, and many jaws have been jabbering about her--some hatin' on her, some lovin' on her. And race has entered the conversation, which I point out in this episode. If you agree with my perspective after watching the full episode, let me hear from you. If you disagree with my perspective after watching the full episode, let me hear from you; tell me, respectfully, where I'm off-base. If you don't watch the full episode to get my full perspective, I don't want to hear from you! Simple.
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[@Lorenzojones46]

I absolutely love Caitlin Clark.. I am a 60 year old black male that never once cared a damn about Women's Basketball. It's not that she is white, it's the way that she plays and those long Logo three point shots.. Her Range is Just Obscene!!!! I have already made plans to go and see a WNBA game in person!.. All great players have swagger and attitude! get over it people!!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you! This is along the lines of one of the two points I was making. There are people who are paying attention to her who have never paid attention to other women play who were also good! She is something special, and some people recognize her because she stands out from all the other women they usually hear about. But man, she makes it clear: ballers just ball--black, white, or otherwise! Just amazing!

[@tonyfeminis4232]

God bless you Sir...!!!

[@Starstrucknut]

Thank you sir! I agree! I love here game and her swag!! I am 70 as have watched women’s basketball all my life. It’s definitely the way she plays.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

I hope ur checking out the other exciting college players around the country especially these awesome freshmen

[@boblester8641]

If wnba feels face should be black. Should Clark just go to Big 3 and Ice Cubes money

[@sarademoret425]

Thank you for the video. I am a 68 old former IA high school basketball player. The school I played for was one of the original schools that had girl's high school basketball which began in the 1920's. There are a lot of us who played basketball in this state that are so excited for what Caitlin and her teammates have accomplished. I was just excited when Hannah scored 47 points this season. I will also be keeping my eyes on Audi Crooks from IA State. Just proud of women's basketball heritage in my state.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@sarademoret425, somehow, I'm just now seeing your comment. I love it! It's so cool when Iowans stop by and reply. If I were you, I'd be excited and proud also! Let's go, Hawkeyes!

[@sarademoret425]

@@theadriennerossshow3143Don't know if you will see this at this point, but I remembered two things that relate to the points you made. First of all, we have to realize that how and where we experienced life does affect us and we just don't check it at the door in these conversations. I remembered that I was a child growing up on a Iowa hog farm when MLK jr. was leading the civil rights movement. What I knew about him was what I saw on the news and it was not good. Years later I realized that what I heard was wrong. So when everyone was quoting him, I said to one of my sons, I don't know that I have the right to quote him. My son's response was sweet. He said most people are willing to let people be wrong in the past as long as they are growing now. The second thing I remembered was a girl's high school basketball team I loved watching when we lived in NE. It was a team of girls from NE Nebraska made up of a mixture of indigenous American girls and white girls. They were awesome and fun to watch. They could play ball. I loved watching them play. So if you love the sport you will cheer on whoever is good.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

​@@sarademoret425 Yes and yes! Excellent points! And to your first point--it sounds like you have a wise son. He hit the nail on the head! Thank you for sharing both stories!

[@amycoleman4470]

I was a 10yo white girl who had a huge poster of MJ on my wall. I went to bed imaging playing ball like that. I played sports till I graduated high school and loved every second of it. But I stopped watching basketball years ago. Occasionally watching final four or championship games. It just didn't grab me like it used too. Till I watched Caitlin Clark. I haven't been this excited about basketball since I was a kid. She has rekindled a love of the game in me and I just can't wait to see the next game. And I think she's elevated everyone's game. Every opponent seems to step up and bring their best against Iowa. She is the tide that is raising all boats. And seeing that article just hurt my heart really. And watching this video just put those feelings to words. Thank you for being honest. I wish we could all be more honest with each other. I am so thankful to find your channel, you got a subscriber now!

[@johnmcdermott667]

For those that don't watch Iowa basketball, just know that Hannah Stulke ia not white, and we absolutely love her.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Glad you can love all players! Isn't that what it's all about and a point I make here, along with other insights about why some don't?

[@rodrickedwards2759]

Neither is Gabby Marshall

[@HannahDisponett]

​@@rodrickedwards2759 and neither is Jada Gyamfi (#23)

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@rodrickedwards2759 Gabby is doing her thing, too, right?

[@dwightcurrie8316]

@@rodrickedwards2759 Any Player who discounts Gabbie, does it at their Peril. She'll snatch the ball out of your hands and leave you standing there wondering what happened.........Just ask Nebraska. Plus she's As Cute As A Wagon Load Of Puppies, to boot. Her Melanin Content Is Entirely Inconsequential

[@User_xxCqvmQ]

Kobe Bryant once said " Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones." Also I wonder why Clark bothers so many people when she's trash talking shouting hand gesture celebrating like haven't you watched a men's bball ever in your life? Which makes me think " What if Caitlin Clark is a man?🤔

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

You hit the nail on the head, though! I've thought about that. One thing I believe is that I would have triggered far fewer people on social media if that were the question I had asked!

[@ryanschoenhard7116]

A lot of her hand gestures aren't directed at the other players most of the times. Iowa fan and have been watching her from her freshman year. Most of her hand gestures are to the crowd to get them back into the game and to be the 6th woman on the court. She did do some last year, like the wave off, that some found offensive but it's nothing that you wouldn't see in a LSU vs SC game. Take the Indiana game last year when she hit the buzzer beater to win the game and then did what I call the Gladiator "are you not entertained" gesture. Some would see that as more of "I am great worship me", but I think most of the Iowa fans saw it as "Look what this team and the fans can do". We haven't had a power house team like the other big schools, so this had been a ride for all of us here in Iowa.

[@HannahDisponett]

@User_xxCqvmeqoG, she has 2 brothers...she learned from them about acting masculine.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@HannahDisponett Oh, yeah?

[@HannahDisponett]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 yes ma'am, she doesn't know anything else. We model what we know. Her dad played bball, her older brother was a football player for the Iowa State Cyclones and her younger brother played hs basketball for Dowling Catholic and is now playing for Creighton.

[@user-dn4er1et2s]

Caitlin idol in basketball was and is black , so I agree with you. She is lifting women sports in general not because she is white, its because of the way she plays and the records she has broken already, Its too bad everything has to come down to color . I appreciate your commentary and there is always going to be jealousy and I hope people realize how much she brings woman sports to the forefront.

[@justinclark4235]

Thank you, Adrienne, this is brave and well done! What a great question, and an important conversation for fans to have in order to understand the rising swell in popularity around the women's game! You're spot on, I think you *nailed* this analysis. Thank you. Caitlin Clark is among the greats. If you know basketball, you know she's the real deal. She is the best offensive player the women's game has seen. Her race certainly plays a role in how her popularity operates, however, and you discuss that well. Let me add one observation that didn't get highlighted here. No one seems to understand this fact. I'm a basketball lover *from the state of Iowa*, a University of Iowa alum. I'm now a professor in New York state. One thing people don't understand is how insanely devoted the Iowa fan base really is. We're used to having mediocre teams that occasionally turn out good. Never great. We travel happily all across the country in huge droves to watch these mediocre teams at random bowl games in football, just to support our Hawkeyes. We get behind our teams, behind our players. However, we never have GREAT ones. This is unprecedented. Iowa doesn't have professional sports. So we pour all our loyalty into the Hawkeyes, and it shows. That's the *primary factor* in this incredible fanfare behind our beloved Caitlin. It's the first time Iowa has had a GOAT. Black or White, it doesn't matter. We recently got behind players of the year in Men's basketball to a slightly lesser degree, Keagan Murray and Luka Garza. They were good, not great. But black or White, it doesn't matter, we were hyped to have them on our side. They were really good players. But not GREAT ones. Caitlin is getting this attention primarily because she's at Iowa. She's FROM Iowa. It's also because she's the exception as a white girl in a game typically dominated by black players. That's true, and your point about a group of biased men on the right is probably accurate. But it's mostly because she's an IOWAN playing for IOWA and she's GREAT. The best. If Caitlin was black, she would get nearly identical Iowa love, the love which has generated sell out crowds throughout the midwest. The other players you mention mostly played for blue bloods that expect great players from time to time, not a mid-tier team in the midwest like Iowa.

[@marcdaddy33]

Thanks for sharing that insight. Makes a lot of sense.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I love this hometown hero story! I love that Iowans are in her corner. As it should be! Thank you for sharing that. The amazing thing is that she has the rest of the nation tuning in to Iowa also! I mean, really, when men (and some women) who have been trashing women's sports or refusing to give it the time of day are excited to watch this woman play, that speaks volumes! I want everyone to see her play. She's good for sports regardless of whether she's black or white or anything else. And the swagger--hey, it rubs some people the wrong way, but the greats all have swagger. It comes with the territory. And those who love the player, love the swagger, and those who don't love the player, hate the swagger. But as the saying goes, "Don't hate the player; hate the game!" LOL!

[@williamfragaszy6016]

I’m not originally from Iowa but went to grad school there. I totally agree that having Caitlin play at Iowa is just so crazy. We Iowa fans have had some pretty good football and basketball players and teams in the past, but they always fall short of being at the top. Caitlin leading our women’s basketball team to greatness is akin to Yaz leading the Red Sox to the World Series in 1967, something totally unexpected and just so exhilarating. I think it is hard for many to understand that. These four years have been magical.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@williamfragaszy6016 I love this! Iowa folks and fans are going to miss her next year.

[@sammy2840]

I’m 70 years old! Never watched WBB until I watched Maya Moore play for the Lynx! Wow she was great! WAY more fun than the NBA! Then Caitlin Clark came along and I love her game the way I did Maya’s! I’m white! I don’t give a damn what color someone’s race is! I just don’t care!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

When you can ball, you can ball, right?

[@user-iz6vd3pm5o]

I love intellectually honest people, New fan of your work

[@jumpshooter4095]

Adrienne… I enjoyed your video and appreciate that YOU appreciate Caitlin Clark. I joke that Caitlin is my niece because we share the same last name and we both are top percentile shooters in the world. Well, I used to be lol!! I agree with all your views mentioned in the video. “Our people” love Angel Reese and she is just as “bad” as Clark, if not worse with her swagger and unapologetic attitude. I still don’t like how she basically stalked Clark around the court to taunt her to her face at the end of the ‘23 NCAA Championship Game. How the officials let that happen without warning or technical foul is still beyond me to this day. And how Black folk defended her for that foolishness, saying she did the same thing (gesture) Clark did, attempting to justify it was beyond ludicrous… same gesture but waaaay different execution. Clark didn’t do the gesture in anyone’s face, nor stalk anyone around the court. That narrative in itself validates your video. Many call Clark overrated yet praise Reese. How someone can score more points than anyone who’s played at the highest level of college basketball - while also leading the nation in assists multiple times - can be overrated is beyond me. A basketball can’t shoot and score itself! Agreeing with you, if Clark were Black she would have Micheal Jordan status among “us” before she ever scored a WNBA point! Great job with your commentary! I’d be remiss to not mention that I (playfully) looked at the video a little side-eyed at your mention of LeBron. Your words there seemed a little personal beyond basketball. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion - same as they are with Clark. Or Reese! Or JuJu! Btw… there is a Women’s College All-Star Basketball Game at this year’s Final Four in Cleveland. Many are calling it the first college allstar game ever, but the first one was actually created, financed, and put on, in Columbus, Ohio in 1993, by a Black man… Me! The second year (‘94), also in Columbus, Lisa Leslie was the MVP.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Wow! I just learned some stuff. I love it! Thank you for what YOU have contributed to the game! ❤ Your comments about what Reese did and what Caitlin did are spot-on. I just had this conversation with a friend the other day. A general gesture and an in-your-face gesture are definitely not the same. Okay, about LeBron. A few things that turned me off to him were his staring down Michael Jordan after scoring, walking off without shaking opponents' hands after losing in the Finals, and flopping and whining all the time. But the Jordan stare-down and walking off stuff--nah! I can't. Easy to be the bigger person when you win. When a loses, we often get a really good look at his or her character (although we should have class when winning also. Cue Angel Reese last year. Not holding that against her--just saying).

[@saltyholic3046]

Very impressive about creating the first women’s college basketball allstar game! Wow

[@hkpence]

I have always played sports and always loved sports. I will say I agree with everything you said. She is just phenomenal and so exciting to watch. She has brought a level of enthusiasm to the game. Is she the only one? No. However, there is no denying what she is bringing. Girl can ball. Those three pointers just wow lol

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I know, right?! It's one thing to hit threes when you're feet are set with barely a hand in your face, but to pull up on a dime and just sink them...that's like Steph Curry kind of outrageous! Thank you for your feedback!

[@michellesmith9522]

@@theadriennerossshow3143I’m curious to know why Curry signed FULWILEY instead of Clark???

[@Clouden3]

I think the attention she gets for admittedly incredible play, is mostly elevated because she's white. White people, as a whole, don't really respond to basketball. Ever since black people came into the game and dominated, they've always kind of latched on more to Football, Hockey, Nascar etc. It's only when Basketball gets an extremely talented white player do the white audience jump up in viewership. It happened with Bird, it's happening now with Jokic and Doncic. And Clark is the latest beneficiary. Not only is she white, she's straight, American and attractive. She's the whole package for white audiences. I think if you put that level of game in a Lexie Brown or a Didi Richards or even an A'ja Wilson. It'll get hype for sure, but it won't dominate the sports world like it is now with Caitlin.

[@Michael-of6zf]

To be honest if we are getting real, nobody cared about Woman hoops unless you are a fan. But when people heard a white girl scored a triple double in the March Madness, and was the first woman to do so in the history, people tuned in to watch the next game. They watched and saw these crazy shots she was taking, something that has been missing for awhile, excitement. People did more research and learned her stats and that she was nearing record breaking numbers and that is what attract them. Everyone no matter who you are wants to see records being broken. Clark was this skinny girl who looked like you can blow at her and knock her to the ground, and she was crazy scoring against girls 2x3 her size. Everyone was rooting for her to break the records, and while watching they learned she was also a really good person. Because of her, people like Woodward and Moore got the flowers they deserved. By beating their records and getting close people start to wonder about the previous record holders.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

What a great assessment! Loved reading this perspective! You really flipped it--in a good way: we often think of the old-school folks opening up the way for the newer ones to receive respect, but your point about the newer players shining a light back on the earlier ones is profound! Wow!

[@destinypirate]

Not unlike the narratives that swirled around Curry in his early NBA days.

[@saltyholic3046]

@@theadriennerossshow3143this is my first time watching you and I’m a new fan. I found everything you said to be intelligent and unbiased, but I wanted to add that you also have warmth and sincerity that seem very genuine. Glad I stumbled upon your video. Subbed 😊

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@saltyholic3046 I'm honored! Thank you!

[@SW-lx3lu]

@@theadriennerossshow3143this is how I feel as well! I see current and former WNBA players all over popular podcast shows, espn talk shows, game coverage, and more are getting interviews to hear their expert opinions on Caitlin and the other women she’s playing against. All these names we being mentioned by the male vets and analysts in every convo about her. She grew up wanting to be Maya Moore and she was inspired to be great bc of her. Caitlin a white woman was inspired by a great black woman, and she’s repaying that by inspiring a new audience to watch ALL female hoopers, and look back on those before her. I hope the wnba players embrace her.

[@nickgold4111]

If she were she would get a lot less hate from the sports media and the WNBA.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

So you know I said the same thing--as well as more.

[@taipan1234]

Angel Reese gets a lot of racism from Caitlin Clark's fan base self-hating black people..

[@Clouden3]

Less hate, and a lot less coverage.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@Clouden3 Almost like a catch-22, right? Oh, my goodness! Just realized how ironic that is considering her jersey number. ROFL!

[@SeshatPG82]

I think otherwise. She'd get a lot more "hate" for the whining and F-bombs. She'd also have been called a "thug" more than a few times.

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

Hi Adrienne - Thank you for your work here and your willingness to do some critical thinking. I'm a 59 white male Hawkeye and a graduate of UI. I'm not "new" to women's college basketball, as Iowa has had some very entertaining, but not nationally significant teams for a good 10-12 years. I also saw a very good a very good Iowa team, a great coach, and a great player, while I was at Iowa in the '80's. C. Vivian Stringer and Michelle Edwards. I went to a few Megan Gustafson games while she was here because I figured it was the best player we would have for a while. Caitlin's decision to come here and her surreal career have been simply astonishing to experience. I appreciate and understand the value of your thought question regarding race. I just wanted to comment that it is always the case (compounded exponentially by social media, which is the reason CC is strapped to the top of a rocket she doesn't really control) that the snowball she started rolling down the hill because of her talent/work is so big now, the stress for her is to now try to not be destroyed by the snowball itself. 98% of the negative stuff is reacting to the effects of the snowball and does not reflect on CC herself. She still needs to grow as a player and person (her dad indicated such during the recent WVU game) and even I get freaking tired of the snowball effect that puts her in everyone's face 24/7. The blowback goes right to her, personally, instead of to the snowball that is the cause of all the controversy.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

There is definitely a price for success. I remember my aunt used to tell me when I was in high school that the saddest people are the A students because there's so much pressure to maintain. I don't necessarily agree with that, but I do believe it can be true of many. It's not easy when you're expected to do well every single day. BUT I'd rather have a little sadness from the strain of success than the sadness from constant defeat or mediocrity any day. LOL! Wow, I love hearing the names C. Vivian Stringer and Michelle Edwards. I really enjoyed watching C. Vivian Stringer coach Rutgers. She just exuded grace, and knowing a little about her story of pain and loss made me respect her even more. Thank you!

[@trainerjoe100]

I really didn't know what to expect when I saw the title of this video. As a Caitlin Clark junkie I had to give it a chance. This is what I came away with. There are many Caitlin Clark's in the world. They are Tiger Woods, cheryl Miller, Larry Bird, Barrack Obama, the Jamaican Bobsled team, and USA's Hockey team. These are all people that did something incredible that no one expexted them to do. They were seemily out of place yet created a legacy. The next Caitlin Clark is black by the way. Her name is JuJu Watkins and I believe barring injury or a change in WNBA admission rules, she will break almost all of CC's records. These people are all different in similar ways. They come from different countries, backgrounds, financial status, different races, and different careers yet they all possess the will to succeed and be the best. I think your take on this had many incredible messages, while some of the best were unspoken.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you for your feedback! I don't doubt that I missed some good points. That's why I'm always open to respectful responses. I learn in the process. You mentioned JuJu. Yes, cool as a cucumber, incredible player--and just a freshman! That's amazing! She's bringing back the magic of the old-time USC players: Cheryl Miller, Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, etc.

[@rushmull9702]

You need leave Obama out ,that sob is #1 racist

[@destinypirate]

It's great to hear your perspective as a coach (for me it is as a mentor, not coach, including of athletes we have taken in...) There might be a worthwhile topic to explore about coaching - although an honest one would ruffel feathers. It is there, in coaching, where I believe the balance of women's bball is held. I'm very unpopular in my assessments of famous coaches who I see serving themselves to the expense of their own players (none of the life mentoriship essential to the challenges of off-the-court futures). Then there are coaches who are mentoring life as well as court skills, with expectations, who are ingnored or worse. - Voices like yours, specifically wisdom-from-experience women's voices, are the key to pushing back the divisiveness that steals our youths' futures away, here in the 2020s. Simply, I don't believe we men have the general patience to engage all of this without opting into fight or flight mode (hence so many men are silent on important things right now). - I see the present flare up of popularity for women's bball as truly important for us socially. If we can't treat our young women in the better ways that we can - whether they are soaring to new heights or even making big mistakes - then we may soon discover our own failings for their future. I see CC as a canary in the culture mine. - She brings a game like a Light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel song (we've been hoping for a women's ball/sports cultural-Superstar for decades) and she harms no one, even does a lot of under the radar charity work off court. If we can't treat her well, then I fear we have poisoned our own mine-mind and maybe have even regressed from what we learned through embracing Tiger into the mainstream, when he met the same resistance CC now faces.

[@gualbertogarcia305]

Boys, Guys And Men ENJOY watching CAITLIN CLARK play Basketball.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Everybody HAD to enjoy last night's game! Unbelievably good! ❤

[@dwightcurrie8316]

A very honest and well reasoned and Honest take on a "Situation" that Shouldn't be a Situation. It's all so regrettable.

[@frankmensah8671]

You are a very wise woman . Very on point . I’m listerning to you from now on.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I appreciate that!

[@kozmiczian]

. . . if Clark were black, everyone would accept her talent, but there are racist on both black and white sides . .. is it ever perfect? She's about as perfect as it gets, in WBB.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

If she's not perfect, she's extra excellent, right?! LOL! Let me clarify, though, that I'm not saying people are hating on her because they're racist. I mentioned that a couple of times. I just think there's a certain mindset about who should dominate in certain arenas.

[@denisobrien4253]

Could Caitlin Clark be a transformative player who might elevate women's sports the way that Gretzky did for hockey in the sunbelt states?

[@marcdaddy33]

Wow my sister. You are speaking to my heart in this video. 1. Loved the Houston Comets title teams.... especially Cynthia Cooper 2. You don't like LeBron either. 3. You sound Luke you support excellence - regardless of race. I don't care what they've been saying about you - but you are alright with me. Now let me finish the video.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Another Cooper fan! I love that! She was amazing and a class act at that! Yes, I do care about excellence. When we feel like that should take a back seat to other nonsense, we just ruin stuff! I appreciate your comment and that you've taken the time to watch!

[@dbarnes544]

Well next year they will find out to see if the Caitlin effect is the same for JuJu Watkins. Lot of other stars coming up. Different races. This isn't 50 years ago, basketball isn't just a predominately black sport.

[@johnstewart9166]

Watkins will not be breaking any records next year. Clark’s records were set in a 4 year career. Besides Watkins will not even be the best college female player next year. She had one big game all year to get noticed.

[@dbarnes544]

@@johnstewart9166 She may not break records but I expect that she will be a major national star. Along with many others. The women's game has a lot of potential stars.

[@bwtv147]

Callie Levin coming to Iowa in 2024 was probably inevitable. Addison Deal coming in 2025 is probably a result of seeing Caitlin Clark being allowed to play her game.

[@johnstewart9166]

@@dbarnes544 The media will do all they can to make her a big name.

[@destinypirate]

With consideration, I wish we could remove this narrative from Juju. It's as if Kobe was coming up just 3 years after Michael (relative to NCAA women's ball). Juju needs her own path, not all of that pressure to ''beat'' another player - that is being so driven by racial animus. This may even push her to injury. Whatever Juju does will be great, records or nattys or not. These players are a gift, not a proxy war. And to be fair, the zeitgeist effect of Stars goes past their field of talent. Prince was arguabley moremusical than Michael. Many fighters are better tha McGregor. Clark has that thing...

[@jovang3882]

Wow what a perspective. You sure got me in my thoughts. You got a good point there. Not just the men but for an Asian women like me who doesn’t watch sports like that I have to say I might have watch CC not only because she’s great but because she’s white. She’s not the same typical great black baller.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I covered that perspective also in the video I did called “What if Caitlin Clark Were Black?” Check it out. Thank you for watching and commenting on this one!

[@user-iz6vd3pm5o]

As a former professional athlete from another sport, i can say this is the absolutely best breakdown of a social issue in sports I have seen, A new fan

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Wow! You made my day! Thank you!

[@mjlover2334]

P.P.S.S. I have played high school, college, club team semi pro ball, and coached high school, college, and ABA semi pro ball. So i do have some knowledge of high level basketball, and i would be more than willing to have a discussion about it. I know i won't be changing hearts and minds, but at least ppl wont be able to say they didn't know about any of some of the reasons the NBA is different than the 90s ball.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

You have had a lot of experience. Do you still enjoy today's NBA? I can't seem to make myself watch anymore.

[@DennAce87]

That chick who wrote that article thinks shes doing something for black women but thats pandering at most which is so disrespectful.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Exactly!

[@fidddle121]

Great video!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you!

[@paulharbron8439]

If CC were black, the state of Iowa would have backed her and started this storm in the exact same manner, and the country would respond to the play and personality exactly the same.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@paulharbron8439, I'd love to hear your response to specific points I made in this video. We've been having such a rich conversation in the comments about the various points. Please share yours.

[@paulharbron8439]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 10-4, will watch to the end and give thoughts.

[@paulharbron8439]

Posted my reply. Love you by the way. Look forward to your future posts. Women's ball is ascendant. Women's athletic ability and their adherence to the rules of the game is organically showing to be a more competitively entertaining product than the men's game, and I think those that pay the bills know it ❤

[@kozmiczian]

. . . is Iowa a MAGA state, or do they vote against humanistic American problems . . . do they infuse religion and politics . . . where are POC living and working in your so liberal state?

[@12current]

Another Question: What if the current South Carolina Women's team were all White with one Black player....The media frenzy would be outrageous!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

That's deep right there! I'm trying to picture it!

[@destinypirate]

Politely (yet maybe unpopularly due to my reasoning) No - no frenzy from Iowa (nor the rest of the country I believe) for SC bball as it presently is - this is irregardless of color. (And we tend to cheer for other ''small'' states.) - We won't look at the color, but we do choose our heros based talent+sportsmanship. We tend to turn away when there is a lack of the latter, and we would certainly blame the coaches. Yet if you put these current Hawkeyes in SC, with how they treat the public (from CC and the coaches through the team), how they treat local people, kids, the active charity work they do (under the radar), then heck yeah, we would respect that and cheer for Garnet B/W - except for days meeting Black & Gold of course. TBH we would still be happy and want want to meet them if they visited our home court. Conversely, if we had coaches/players come to Iowa and show the poor sportsmanship that we have seen, we wouldn't want them to stay, even if they were all white and born in Iowa. Our strictest example of this can be found on our wrestling team (which has been at/near the top of the sport for 45 years now). We've supported our 3 coaches who, over half a century of mutual coach/player/fan loyalty, have mentored-punished-expelled top of the country talent (who happened to be white) many times, in service of expectations of conduct. Present day: My fear, and belief, is that the lack of mentorship for both on the court and off the court life is going to backfire in sad ways for many players. There is a lack of responsible mentoring coming from the self-agrandizing coaches that we are seeing around the country. Many of these coaches say the right things, but their words ring hallow when their next breath supports the opposite and players' behavior is clearly unguided by clear expectations. If this trend continues then we will see a quick fall from the CC rising tide.

[@12current]

@destinypirate I agree with your assessment. This is a beautiful ciloqy. I was making a reference to the sports media, specifically ESPN and the Corporate Media.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@destinypirate Coaches like Pat Summitt demanded certain things from their players. It was like teaching basketball, yes, but even more than that, teaching how to be a good person. Parents turned their children over to her knowing she would help guide their character. That's the case with Chamique Holdsclaw and how her grandmother trusted Chamique with Coach Summitt.

[@destinypirate]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 Patt Summitt and C. Vivian Stringer showed the way - both for the whole country and Stringer opened the door for Iowa to believe in the highest stage for women, in the '90s (after George Raveling & Tom Davis brough the men to the national stage in the late '80s). What you note about Holdsclaw is the key - athletes who have a grandmother/parent/mentor who guides their choice towards coaches/mentors who will uphold future-building-values. - John Wooden devoted his life to providing clear and simple Rosetta stone "Rules for Practice" , "Rules for the Court" , and "Rules for Life". These were very strict - and the best of the best flocked to hima nd too his lessons to heart. (including my favorite, Kareem, who - when I met him as a young man in the early 90s - shared some of Wooden's value structure for my own benefit). I wish there was some such standard, adopted and adpated naturally, that modern coaches would themselve adhere to. The trappings of fame have become more dangerous than ever though.

[@davidspriggs5024]

Great rant. You made and backed both of your points very well. I’m a 70 year old white conservative. I did follow woman’s college basketball in the 80’s and early 90’s. I attended some games here in Austin. I honestly can not recall the skin tones of the players and teams I liked. But, more recently I have just dismissed woman’s hoops at all levels. It’s certainly possible the color of the game played a significant role, I honestly don’t know. So, three years ago, when I discovered Caitlin Clark on KZbin, maybe her color attracted my attention. Regardless, it was her game that held my attention. And I am attempting to become a woman’s basketball fan, again.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I hear you! As a person who has played and loved sports and was into the WNBA in a HUGE way, I've been out of the loop. Some of it had to do with life taking attention from other things and some of it had to do with just feeling like things were different, but I love that I've been drawn in again. Thank you!

[@ErnestBoyd-mx5ct]

You don't have to play the game to know the game. Greg Popovich and Erik Spoelstra. Keep on bringing it!🏆🏆🏀🏀😊

[@jameskelly7412]

Now that was one well reasoned argument. Well done. You deserve more subscribes, so I am giving you one more.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

James, thank you! I appreciate it greatly!

[@corbieone]

The REAL question is : What if Caitlin Clark was PURPLE ?

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Actually, the REAL question is, "You didn't watch, did you?" Never mind. I know the answer.

[@corbieone]

actually, it's in cue to be watched, if u r interested. What I read were the comments . FYI : 1 Race/Human. Look at the deeds, not the skin color..@@theadriennerossshow3143

[@cliffordnewell2445]

What a stupid question. Clark would be great no matter what color she was. Also, there are other great white players out there, like Paige Bueckers.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

You clearly didn't watch the video! SMH! Intellectually lazy people always embarrass themselves.

[@Kakki82]

Wow finally, I've been searching for that voice. You nailed it. I don't know why I'm commenting. Subscribing. You make sense more than the news outlets..ESPN or USA Today. I"m from Marshall Islands by way of Honolulu. Will share. I don't watch college sports . NBA NFL UEFA Boxing..but wow...Caitlin Clark is revolutionary..I love Juju game too!! Need Iowa vs USC for sure. Record numbers. 🙂🤩

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you! Yeah, she's something else!

[@misterpsk]

If Caitlin Clark was black, she would not have the same kind of fans! Listen black girls have had the same kind of talent but they could not excite the mom’s and families to bring their daughters and sons to fill the arenas. What does championships have anything to do with Caitlin Clark’s fan?

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Elaborate on your last sentence.

[@sp123]

Paige Bueckers said this when she won the ESPY award and thats why they started pushing Caitlin so hard. Paige is being punished for being off code.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@sp123 Wow! She was bold!

[@destinypirate]

@@sp123 What did Paige say?

[@destinypirate]

Politely, I would argue the opposite. Iowans love ALL of the players, both home grown and those who honor us with their talent and come to brave the winters and enjoy our humble beautiful state. We would DEFINITELY bring our kids to see any colors of Caitlin (keep in mind our 3 favorite colos are black, gold, and friendliness)... I elaborated on this in my own OP comment above.

[@raymondthompson3788]

Your view on this subject was on point!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you!

[@ultimaterankings1154]

Caitlin Clark is 22 not 17, anytime a female is 18 or over it's always safest and best, whether you are a man or a woman, to refer to them as a woman or a young woman.

[@X3bands]

You're a good speaker/talker. 🙂 Wish your YT channel the best.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you!!!

[@psharelater172]

There are two Caitlin Clark's. 1. There is a real Iowa young woman who does what she does. 2. There is a Caitlin Clark Myth. i.e. The public stories about the real Iowa woman. The "Myths" are like a blank slate onto which we project our own selves. So when you ask what if Caitlin Clark were black--you are asking what would be revealed about ourselves if the protagonist in the Myth was black. So one thing that triggers people like me about your title is not that there is nothing to reflect on. It is not that I disagree with your reflections. It is that just the "doing of sport" has been one realm where we can get past pouring our energy into projecting our own lives into these public myths. It forces us to seeing the real Iowa woman play against the real LSU Angel--and get our eyes off our own selves. Then all the endless reporting/hyping/commenting that absolutely demands we get back to the business of projecting our dramas onto myths suck the life out of what the Sport is actually delivering to us.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I hear what you're saying, and I don't totally disagree. But I would say that when it comes to both public figures and everyday individuals, we see what they present to the extent that they allow us in. And because no one lives in a bubble, we will always have ideas, questions, assessments, etc., as we should. As I mentioned, we don't check our perspectives and worldviews at the door or at the television before a game or anywhere. And the beauty of it all is that we can have mature discussions around those things, which many would not do if something--or someone--did not open that door and cause us to do some things too many people don't like to do: think, reason, assess, be honest, be transparent, self-reflect, world-reflect, and grow.

[@robertkeller5930]

Only in the last couple months have I realized she was popular outside of my home state of Iowa. I thought that once you leave the state boundaries that you didn’t pay any attention to her.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Definitely drawing attention everywhere--and for good reason! SO looking forward to tonight's game!

[@Joe-ny2up]

Coach Davis and Coach Harmon... Jada, Hannah, Gabbie, Kennise, me, you, him, her ALL UNIQUE! Let's measure people by their character and talent on the court PLEASE and apologize for nothing. Be YOU.

[@kenj280]

You made so many excellent points! Caitlin Clark is outstanding! Taking women's basketball to the mainstream in America helps all the players!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you! And, yes, she is amazing! Everyone should be applauding. I see a couple of players not seeming to be so happy about her, and I’m thinking, “Don’t y’all know her greatness will shine a light on everyone?” I can’t wait to see her WNBA debut!

[@sturkeliousrron4934]

Championships are team accomplishments. If a great player doesn’t have other great role players on their team, then there won’t be a championship in that great players future. The game was never designed for everybody to win championships. However the same can’t be said for individual accomplishments.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Your point speaks to the fact that some of the greats never won a championship. So much comes down to role players, coaching styles, and team chemistry. True. And Caitlin Clark is only 4 years in. That's not enough years to say she should have won a title. The professional years will show us more. She's already great, but I think it's too soon to say she is the greatest. That will play out in the WNBA. We'll see.

[@genekehoe6345]

Great commentary! Nobody should be pigeon-holed to any profession on the basis of race! That USA Today article struck me as pandering. And I have said the exact same things you are saying about the NBA and about the emphasis of fundamentals in women's basketball. I definitely prefer the women's game to all the boring slam dunking in the NBA. By the way, I live in Iowa!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

An Iowa guy! I'm honored to have you respond. Loving Iowa right now, thanks to Caitlin! I appreciate your response about women's fundamentals. It's the truth! 🙂

[@mjlover2334]

P.P.S. let me know when you and other ppl want to talk about why the nba is the way it is, and how it is not as terrible as you think. there are a handful of simple reasons for it. not all the negative propaganda reasons ive been hearing. smh

[@williamdee3080]

Caitlin Clark is beyond great

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Truth!

[@colleenposadas8415]

since catching the semi finals of ncaa last year i haved watched every single Iowa game. What a joy. Could care less her color. Love their team.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Phenomenal!

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

Just remember her shooting came from far out not dunking or under the basket

[@Firebuck]

Excellent rant. I agree with it including how attitudes about Blacks in sport is so different from attitudes about Blacks in science, technology, etc. I think I lot of that is lived experience of people like Ms Schnell... sports is comfortable and accepted, those other careers might be unfamiliar and less celebrated. I find it sad too, because Black people have many talents beyond athletics. Your breakdown of the white+Iowa factor opened my eyes. I've seen the usual hate from men about women's sports over the years but I didn't make the connection to conservatives. If that's so then maybe CC's popularity is a really good thing for women's sports and women in general. Thanks!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you! I definitely believe she's good for sports and opening people's eyes. I mean, men are talking about women's sports--you know, beyond tennis and the Williams sisters. (I miss Serena playing, and Venus hasn't competed tough in years, but that happens over time. I love the Williams sisters!) Caitlin Clark is drawing people in, which allows them to see all the other talented players, too.

[@erics9213]

I asked that question when they began to throw shade on Clark. I got no response. That writer has a point albeit biased as though basketball should only be a black sport. The same argument can be said for tennis and golf traditionally being white sports. No one race owns a sport.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

The writer of that piece is confused on many levels. Sad.

[@user-pt9wq9zz3u]

I don’t think if an African American female was playing lights at Iowa would get the attention as CC..

[@Joe-ny2up]

When I was a kid my 3 favorite players, super popular...Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, Andre Dawson, and later Frank Thomas. Posters in the bedroom. Give me some evidence, because it doesn't apply to me.

[@paulharbron8439]

We just met the acending Flau'jae Johnson lol. My lord. She's 🦘 into the top 5 of all college players with what she is doing this weekend. Wow is she good.

[@paulharbron8439]

By the way, CC must have been listening to the haters cause she is showing off against Colorado.

[@paulharbron8439]

No one will see this so we can call it a DM. You have the it factor. Look up how to promote yourself. You are at the forefront of women's ball analysis. Get yourself out there. I have a knack for these things ❤️. You are smart, have a good soul, pretty and opinionated. Put more time into it and cut down the posts to 10 min max. Everyone has add

[@MrImthatguyfhosho]

FACTS !!!!!!!!!

[@MsKylea]

Remember the name FULWILEY... ....

[@rodrickedwards2759]

JuJu Watkins

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

Don't really need to remember - she's just now getting her rocket past liftoff. Harder to get the focus on her with the great team, but she will claim her spot.

[@brendajameson5093]

YES!! She was the most exciting player to watch this season. She hits the 3s like CC. Plus she can block, drive, and get rebounds. And ... she's a freshman. If she continues this way - she will be the GOAT for real.

[@xmanh-dq8zd]

HOPEFULLY NEXT YEAR IOWA AND THE HEAD COACH WILL ATTEMPT TO ADD MORE DIVERSITY TO THE TEAM. I DOUBT IT.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Diversity of skill, you mean?

[@xmanh-dq8zd]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 Skill and people

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

Players are afraid 😱 she better then them and instead of them in curing her want her to fail. She to good all the way around too let it happen I cheer for a team not one player I all ways the best players do good to win. C C does it as a team player

[@jollyjokerpansy]

I am not a basketball fan. I lived in California so maybe I should have been but the men’s basketball game seemed to require less energy and more acting. There just wasn’t women’s basketball games on tv for me to view. What has happened is a realization that women’s sports can and will bring in money. I live in Iowa and I can tell you that we enjoyed watching Jasmine Carson light up the floor last year even when we lost. I am tuning in because of the heart these women on every team show night after night. As a conservative Iowan, I didn’t start to watch because Caitlin was white, I started to watch because she was good. I stayed to v watch because all these girls played with the heart I think professional sports has lost. I’m not native Iowan so can say with great fondness. Iowans don’t have a professional team so they LOVE their college and high school sports players like nothing I’ve ever seen and they do so no matter the color or race that player comes with.

[@mariamenani1536]

I just don't like the disrespect that Reese brought to the game, and the first one is not coming out for the national anthem. 😢

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I definitely don't appreciate that, either.

[@carterdoering3789]

Hot take, the backlash Swoops got for her false facts had nothing to do with race. It was about COVID. Think about it... Clark broke this record DURING A PANDEMIC. Her story is extremely inspirational. For Swoops to discredit one of the few heroes we have during these times was just not cool at all.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I'm glad Swoopes reached out to Caitlin after the fact, though.

[@arthur-ri4zo]

Always bringing race into the topic...01:08 I can't stand Tennessee basketball. But I've always admired Pat Summit. Most of all...Let's all all sing...Rocky Top Tennessee. UCONN HUSKIES #1. Rocky Top I wish that I was on old Rocky Top Down in the Tennessee hills Ain’t no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top Ain’t no telephone bills Once I had a girl on Rocky Top Half bear the other half cat Wild as a mink but sweet as soda pop I still dream about that

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I just read that Tennessee fired Kellie Harper.

[@mjlover2334]

Wait Wait Wait! is this the only video you have of players not getting their just due??? I definitely must have missed something. I would imagine if you are a Tenn supporter, there should definitely be a Chamique Holdsclaw video if for no other reason than she played for the late great pat Summit! ....You would think. IJS.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I don't podcast and write a lot about sports. I do dribs and drabs, but that's not usually my focus. But I hear you about Holdsclaw!

[@boxelder9147]

Someone said similar of Larry Bird. Wont speculate on who that was but something along the line of if lb was black he'd be an average bball player

[@mariamenani1536]

I just found you today and you are my kind of lady❤

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you! 😊

[@FloridaGeorgia]

❤🖤💚Brave video Coach! I look forward to an ever braver conversation becoming more public. I'm talking about the conversation of the superior marketability of WBB players publicly "appearing" as feminine women. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors with anyone, but WBB Candace Parker, is a perfect example of the superior marketability of publicly appearing feminine (especially in her early career) when that clearly was not the case in her private life. The appearance of femininity has done wonders for black women athletes like black Angel Reese, black Venus and Serena Williams, black Coco Gauff, and black Laila Ali. I would argue that before Brittany Griner was jailed in Russia, the most popular WNBA player was black Lisa Leslie, who appears exquisitely an elegantly feminine. I think Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo are following Candace Parker's example. And while the beautifully feminine Lady Gamecock black Raven "Hollywood" Johnson, should be a marketable example of femininity, I think she gets lost in the crowd of Lady Gamecock players an staff that "obviously" do not. I'm black BTW.❤🖤💚

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I think you speak to something here that definitely takes courage, too. I also think that what you're mentioning has something to do with why some men reject women's sports. I've heard them talk about it.

[@anthonypuccetti8779]

That's an impossible what if. Its like asking what if she was a different person.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Not even lieing' when I clicked on your video' I thought you were Whoopi Goldberg. Sorry

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

We don't look anything alike, and we certainly don't think alike, but that's funny! 🤣

[@letmebreakitdown2u152]

That's why I love Paige Bueckers. Go listen to her Espys speech a few years ago. She said exactly this. She was so real with it! And Paige is awesome!! But even Paige knew why she was getting such attention. Had to respect Paige for that.

[@woody5551]

....or what if she was a guy. Are people throwing shade because a women shouldn't act like that? She shouldn't show attitude. Just be nice and quiet and answer questions sweetly?

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Good questions. I have thought of that, too.

[@evilsimeon]

That article was the dumbest line of logic I have ever read!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

There were a couple of good points in the "USA Today" article but not the main ones, for sure!

[@mjlover2334]

the majority of Tennessee supporters usually start with Pat Summit and have Chamiqua Holdsclaw follow right behind that. Est when you have a player that won 3 straight NCAA titles, 2 time player of the year, and i just looked this last part up....she is still the leading scorer and rebounder for the Volunteers and still leads the SEC in Scoring all time! My next is...why is this video this long, when this video should be about Holdsclaw first, then another great player? Its not my channel but i am just asking questions to learn and be more informed. P.S salute to C Clark! She has definitely put in the work!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Love Chamique and the other 2 "Meeks"! I loved watching that run and wanted so much to see them get the 4th in a row! To answer your question, it's not about Holdsclaw first because it's not about her at all, but she definitely deserves a mention! And thank you for the stats you mentioned. I didn't know that! Love it!

[@taipan1234]

Why does LeBron James get so much hate???????? He's black.. why throw a pity party for Caitlin Clark as if she's the only one that gets hate..

[@robertfowler8823]

And there it is. Trying to dodge off the point. Smh.

[@user-TimmyJW]

Simone Biles face of Olympic gymnastics, but she didn't pave the way. Who cares she is great. Go USA. And go Iowa Hawkeyes!!!!!!!!

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

What are your thoughts about the points in the video? To answer your question, a lot of people care, and they have been making insightful comments. "Who cares?" is intellectually lazy, with all due respect--and you cared enough to comment. So critique the points I made. I'm open to it.

[@alphasports3743]

The last time I was here I had many comments said that HBCU didn't count. I wonder how do they feel about a black gymnast Naimah Muhammad from Fisk University won the all around NCAA title. I guess it doesn't count either but in BB Pearl Moore has never be acknowledged as the NCAA all time scorer because of her blackness. But they make sure CC is branded the NCAA highest scored in D1 not in NCAA history. Naimah Muhammad and a chance to go to PWI but chose to be with people who looked like her. To be honest since the pandemic more blacks have been leaving PWI and attending HBCUs. Its why congress want to close down HBCUs so the 71mil Biden has given funding to each 104 HBCU would got to PWI.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Congratulations to all who are doing great things and setting and breaking records! Grateful, too, that former President Trump made it permanent that $250 million a year goes to HBCUs and the other institutions with predominantly "minority" communities. Wherever one goes to college, let's celebrate their success on and off the court, field, etc. It's great when we can come together, isn't it?

[@alphasports3743]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 You really need to do your research before posting. 250 mil is only 2.3mil per school. That would cover only 1 program. Biden has give 7 billion to HBCUs ... thats 71 mil per school which includes $3.6 billion for HBCUs through the American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief. $1.6 billion in capital finance debt relief for 45 public and private HBCUs. You sound like that delusional woman who praised DeSantis for giving an HBCU 1mil after a domestic terrorist attack. She thought it was the state money bit is was the HBCU money that RED states are not releasing. In Tennessee since covid the administrators went to DC to have dorms built for blacks who choose to transfer to Tennessee St. The Senator said why not have them come to UT instead so that funding / 71 mil would go to University of Tennessee and a PWI and not HBCU. There are passing legislation to close HBCUs to that people like you aren't aware of your history since HBCU are the only institutions who are teaching black history. I can't believe you are grateful to a demon who has as the bible describes the thing God hates.

[@destinypirate]

Love your commentary - A few things. First, I disagree about "if Caitlin was black she would be less popular." I disagree based on history and one immense caveat... - On history, we were always happy to have our kids want to ''be like Mike", and more of us were Magic than Bird fans, if only by a few. We've loved Ali, Bo Jackson, Mahomes, and of course Kobe. When a great woman comes up - whether Flo-Jo or Serena or Simone Biles, we love them all. Not everyone strikes the Zeitgeist the same though - that seems to take a confluence of transcendent talent and gripping personality (Ali, Magic, Kobe and more recently Connor McGregor.) I'd say Tiger too, but his talent was so great he took over golf even though his personality is more introverted. Then there is this subculture, which can bridge out into the country at large... If (black) Caitlin Clark were in Iowa, we would be the same! We would be buying out every game, and going on the road, buying her merch, and making so much noise on the fan side - to compliment her setting Every Major Record (outside of rebounds) that ESPN would have still sent Stephen A. Smith, and the rest. - This is the IOWA factor. We have been huge supporters of both women and black (or any) athletes, from the start. Our history of supporting early (6 on 6) basketball is legendary. - Worth reading about - While historically a ''white'' state, we have always tended toward equal mindedness. Most of all we have always respected hard work, loyalty, and humility - the qualities that reflect our agricultural communities of mutual reliance. We know we are not NYC/LA (nor do we wish to be) and that few understand the magic of the land as we do. We also have tundral winters that legitimately endanger lives. I note all of this in that we Greatly Appreciate anyone who comes to join us, in any way. Regarding great athletes, who have offers from every big program nationwide, we feel appreciative that they would choose to value our schools, communities, states. We are humbled, and we never forget. This goes way back for us. Way back. Many of our families lost young men in the Civil War. We take pride in our losses contributing to American freedom for all. Our early Hawkeye football team refused to play opponents who were racist towards any of our players. We don't get many 5 stars, but we remember each one. Roy Marble and BJ Armstrong might be able to explain it better, both have said 'Iowa always feels like home.' - The main factor, assuming the same talent, would be a similarly engaging personality that takes hold in the zeitgeist. If (black) Caitlin Clark was as outgoing and competitive - with a ''won't back down spirit" and a also a contributive and charitable citizen the same, then every parent would encourage their daughter (or son) to "Be Like Caitlin".

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I love the spirit you describe Iowa as having. ❤ I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing, though. What I was specifically attempting to point out is that many of the men who dismiss women's sports would not be paying attention if Caitlin were black because many speak of women players in such negative terms, and when they think of women's basketball, they think of black women, and they have said so. They think, too, that they're not worth watching. So if Caitlin were black, she would--in their minds, to be clear--be just like the rest of the black women they disrespect and dismiss. Because, however, she stands out based on--in their minds, again--a unique dynamic because she's white and from Iowa, she caught their attention. Now, they're talking about her, whereas they have completely denigrated other women who are also quite talented, albeit not many as talented as Caitlin but very good nonetheless.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

In this portion of my assessment, I'm talking specifically about the haters of women's sports.

[@destinypirate]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 it's a challenge to talk about in a few sentences as we know there's 10 topics all coming together. Yet I do think Iowa's support of women's sports has been stand out. I remember being a kid and watching the girls play 6 on 6 and the whole town, every town across the state was really supportive of their girls and the state tournament was a really big deal. I believe there are documentaries and books on this. We do the same thing with wrestling, which we have been known for, and now we have a girls wrestling team and while they're not Superstars yet we definitely support them. Iowans support of girls historically I think is a big part of Caitlin's story, including her youth... Seeing your commentary today really made me reflect on this and wish there was a national story on the relationship Iowa has with supporting girls' sports. With Iowa outlying those narratives (that you noted) against women sports, I would venture to say that our support of the girls sports was ready to provide all of the social energy that was catalyzed by her talent into the Caitlin storm. It's interesting how when we talked about women's basketball, we talked mostly about the players and the leagues and what they need to do to go to the next level. Are topic cure makes me think how much of this is really about various sports cultures around the country. For example, I wonder if a WNBA team in Iowa, even with our tiny cities, might do great and maybe there's a secret to be found in pockets of support that can be built upon.

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

Maya. More is. C C idea I love watching. Mika play in college and pro

[@jbethwal]

Please run for president.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Hahaha! 😉

[@johnnybravousa9502]

Go Vols!! love you girl

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

YESSSS!!!

[@xmanh-dq8zd]

Truth is, she is a great shooter. That's about it, so stop the cap. Black people see her AS white and white people see her as white that's it.

[@johnmcdermott667]

Uh, she leds the nation in assists!!

[@xmanh-dq8zd]

@@johnmcdermott667 ok great passer🙄

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

What did you think of the points I made in the video? I'm curious. I'm open to critiques of my perspective.

[@user-od2um9mw8o]

Enjoyed your show. Great job. And hear are some points I would like to make, many that you covered. We follow players for various reasons. I am from Iowa. I am Caucasian. Caitlin Clark is a great player. Everyone relax. It is okay. We all have our favorites for various reasons. I had a black fiance. The number of occasions we discussed our race? Zero. We just loved each other. Rather than certain people discussing race, they should talk about merit. The writer you refer to. She wrote an uninformed article. A quick glance of NCAA Womens Basketball would tell anyone there been many white women's players with greatness. As for Cheryl? She gave uninformed, malicious, ridiculous commentary. How wrong can a person be.As a society, only when with cease talking about race have with truly made progress.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I appreciate your response. And, yes, while the USA Today writer made some good points, it was more weird and wrong than anything. I disagree with you about not discussing race, though. I did an Instagram Live and Facebook Live today (Tuesday) on this subject. I believe that we cannot allow language to be co-opted, bastardized, and removed. If God wanted us not to ever recognize and discuss race or culture or backgrounds, He wouldn't have created us with differences as well as similarities. I have no interest in pretending what God created and called good is off the table for discussion. Seeing color and discussing it are not the same as judging someone by it. Talking about it is not the same as race-baiting, although race-baiting certainly does exist. But I refuse to allow that sad reality to skew my meaningful, legitimate, and, hopefully, insightful discussion on the topic and to silence me. I simply refuse to conform to the idea that we cannot engage in relevant discussions that also include talking about ethnicity and things that pertain to it. God created His people and delights in us, so there is no virtue in pretending that doesn't exist. Now, I don't desire to talk about it all the time, but there are times it is called for--without apology.

[@marcdaddy33]

Ok. Finished the video. I agree with your points. But I think there are some things you should consider: 1. Bigger than her race is her sexual orientation. She has a BF so everyone knows she isn't LGTV. We can see this is important because the second most popular person in WBB is the Bayou Barbie. Angel Reese is black and is known for her beauty and FEMININITY. This factor is probably the number one reason why the WNBA isn't popular anymore. 2. Race definitely is a factor. But in America, we especially care about two things... EXCELLENCE and DYNAMIC PERSONALITY. Coach Prime brought record ratings because of his personality. When Colorado kept losing the ratings suffered. Kareem had the excellence but no personality. The Williams Sisters were dominant and had personality. EVERYONE wants to be a part of something special and unique. The excellence mixed with personality draws people- regardless of race. Ask Jordan. Ask Brady. Ask Obama. Ask Trump. Ask women's USA tram in 1996, etc.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

You're dropping some good thoughts and things to consider! And you're right: I think having the goods AND having personality is important. People are drawn to it. If they love you, that's great. If they "hate" you, that's great, too--because worse than that is if they're indifferent to you. Politically, think Ben Carson. He's got an incredible story and can lead well, I'm sure, but he's too boring for my taste. I like the personality piece along with talent. Caitlin's swagger rubs people the wrong way because she's not supposed to have it in some people's minds, but she's got it anyway--and is dropping threes from the parking lot to boot! LOL!

[@marcdaddy33]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 Good example about Ben Carson.

[@brandonfouts4074]

Its unfortunate because games cant just be games, we dont just celebrate the sports anymore, its always crap like race or politics.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I don't let any of that keep me from enjoying, but I totally get what you're saying.

[@kennelson5096]

I want to know who decided the game of basketball is a black person game. Talent is talent

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I certainly didn't. Did you watch or read any of the comments?

[@marcdaddy33]

First off Tennessee LOST and messed up my bracket. I had them in the title game. Thankfully my other final four picks are still alive Secondly, never heard of luxxle before. I just did a desr h on it. Thank you. I will be using that from now on. Let me watch the rest of the video and then share my thoughts

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Yes, yes, yes to Luxxle! Check this out. This is the interview I did with the spokesperson, who is actually also a former student of mine. I taught her when she was in 7th grade (English class). She demonstrates how you can filter results from political persuasions, etc. So fascinating! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqol4Cml859n8k

[@anthonytaylor7928]

U had Tennessee in the title game really?? What was your logic please reply

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

​@@anthonytaylor7928 Come on now. Be gentle! LOL! I expressed my love for Tennessee and the late Coach Pat Summitt and that things are just not the same without her and that I miss the Lady Vols-UCONN Lady Huskies rivalry. So you know how that goes when you just love a team. It's sort of like Patrick Ewing always saying the Knicks could win it all that year. It was a matter of hoping against hope. You gotta believe! Hahaha! I did not really have Tennessee as winning it all. I believe I said that I think South Carolina is the the favorite to win and that it would be great to see Caitlin win it in her senior season. :)

[@marcdaddy33]

@@anthonytaylor7928 They were one FT away from defeating South Carolina. I had them meeting SC again in the Final Four and winning. Just so you know, this was my first time EVER filling out a bracket. My men's bracket is destroyed. Oakland did that (and other teams). Right now, all of my other Final Four teams are alive (South Carolina, UConn, and Iowa). I don't think the Trojans or Notre Dame will make it to the Final Four.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@marcdaddy33 There are always more upsets in the men's tournament than the women's, I believe.

[@LifeLise]

Please make a video “what if adrienne ross were white?” I like /subscribed

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Some people have accused me of being so already! LOL! What do you think of what I said about the amazing Caitlin Clark? Lots of great feedback in the comments. I'd love to hear yours also.

[@LifeLise]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 I think Caitlin Clark obviously has white privilege. her parents also experienced white privilege as did her American ancestors … so Caitlins family in the 21st century are more likely to have a higher socioeconomic status because Americans only stopped enslaving blacks a few of generations ago. White Caitlin Clark has experienced less bias and been chosen for more opportunities than black Caitlin Clark. Black Caitlin Clark is more likely to have both parents working more hours for less money. Parents with less time and money spend less time and money on their child’s sports.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

​@@LifeLise So although black women have dominated basketball and black athletes have dominated sports, which the USA Today writer I was quoting throughout this episode, who happens to be white, pointed out, you're saying white privilege has been a barrier to black folks excelling in sports?

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

@@theadriennerossshow3143 I think it has allowed people to discount great players as people and as marketing vehicles in the past. The white establishment was forced to concede to the rising non-white talent and work. If they happened to be great, it was considered exclusively as a product of physical talent, not intellectual or hard work related. Your channel here is an example of a huge difference today. Nobody owns this conversation anymore and I am very happy for the diversity of thought. Uh-oh, I used the "D" word.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

@@PatrickORourke-yz3xn I have definitely heard that perspective--that white players have been referred to by their ability to intellectually understand a sport, but black players are all about physical strength. The Williams sisters, I believe, have been a topic in that conversation. That perspective has also been used to explain why it was so hard for black people to get hired as head coaches. Interesting take. Of course, we all ought to know that people of all colors and ethnicities can think and perform.

[@wade1419]

Your house is a picture, Adrienne! 👍 When you gonna invite us for dinner?

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

😆Thank you!

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

I take C C in to combat she won’t quit she good at all faseses other our shooters some do other things but she does all

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

We have the Bayou Barbie but I guess it's not enough 😂 Caitlin Clark has the skills and Yes, when a white person does well she will get a lot of attention.

[@robertfowler8823]

Ur point???

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

@@robertfowler8823 What I said SMH

[@robertfowler8823]

@TheAnswerWillleaveyou keep crying dude. Reese is not clark. Not even close. Everybody knows it. Deal with it. That is nothing to do with race

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

@@robertfowler8823 I never said that SMH

[@aleco678]

People mad at ur title because clickbait is annoying but it was a good video

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! This isn't clickbait, though. I asked a question that is totally relevant to the topic. I delved into how things would likely be if Caitlin were black, which is exactly what the title says. I can't stand clickbait titles, but this isn't that. People are mad because THEY had a certain assumption, and THEY got triggered as a result. Instead of owning that, they came after me. But, let's face it, some people are too lazy to get facts before jumping to conclusions, which is a huge part of the issues in this country regarding many things: we want to talk, but we don't want to do our due diligence to know what we're talking about.

[@acerrspage4205]

I dont think a 'black' Caitlan Clark would be nearly as interesting to the General Public. Simply because 'Great' black basketball players are the norm...Also, so many of the 'great black female b Ball players' are also not very interesting beyond the Court...black female bball players have a bit of a bad rap. And race is not really the problem. Culture is the problem. WE dont see white and hispanic players engaging in a lot of 'bad sportsmanship' conduct. Black female b ball players are known for punching, tripping, extreme trash talk, ect.... (No one says Dan Marino or Warren Moon were not great players, they never won championships)

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Interesting perspective. And your first two sentences are exactly one of the main points I make. I appreciate the feedback.

[@rcgamer]

I wonder if she would make that same statement about baseball and the NFL? The USA Today writer I mean.

[@robertokeefe2357]

Caitlin is Great .. Swoops embarrassed her self .. the editor is the one who oked story USA Today newspaper ? They can say what they want but your eyes see what your eyes see .and no one is more amused than Caitlin .I got news for you Caitlin is already A PRO

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Wow!

[@Sakurapedaler]

You speak the truth. The day after last year's Iowa-LSU championship game, the principal of my child's elementary school stood up in front of an assembly of the entire student body, and stated, (I paraphrase), "Hooray, the Black team won!"

[@Sakurapedaler]

@@Joe-ny2up I don't think the principal dug very deep into his research on the team. His parochial empathy meter did a quick melanin scan. His words really confused my child, who up until that point, had not even fathomed that someone could/would cheer for a team because of race. Thanks dude! 😡

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

No championship not defind a player look 👀 at how many one and did not make it in pro football 🏈 all knows was fixed yes Super Bowl in the end it come out

[@CLove-mo7cc]

What if Larry Bird what black!!🔊🔊 What if Steve Nash was ASIAN???? 🗣🗣 WHAT IF LUKA DONCIC WAS DEVIN BOOKER SON!!!!! 🚨🚨

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

What if you watched the video so you can leave a comment of substance to the discussion?! If you did watch, let's hear what you have to say about it.

[@davidpouncy8471]

Adrienne I love women sports I love all sports tennis track boxing baseball ufc etc... But I understand why people who are not involved in sports like you and me do not have a interest in womens basketball. People who are not sports oriented or dont have an interest in sports will NEVER find womens basketball excited because it ISN'T. Women cant doing anything out of the ordinary physically to draw attention to the game. Women simply dont have the physical attributes to WOW the spectators. Women cant show them something they havent seem before. The EXCITEMENT just isnt there for someone watching for the first time who doesnt have interest in sports. I expect you to understand that and take that into consideration without being bias.

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

Thank you for your feedback, but no one is saying that right now. (I don't mean to say you don't count.) The truth is you can't shut anyone up from talking about women's basketball right now. The excitement is off the charts right now.

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

C C happy Blessed 😇 playing B B Amen

[@boblester8641]

Nancy Lieberman had swag in 1978

[@theadriennerossshow3143]

YES!

[@user-ph3cz8kb9w]

Ask Brinner bout drug use