Nancy Armour's article on Caitlin Clark's example shows why sports and sports writing fails
Caitlin Clark is the most popular player in the WNBA because of her talent, skill and ability to shoot that few of her peers would even consider trying. He is also White. And for that reason alone, most of today's sports writers or sports media personalities seem to hate him.
A recent example is Nancy Armour, a columnist for USA Today Sports, who put together one of the most outlandish, inexplicable, unacceptable articles you'll ever see attacking Clark. Some of his complaints about Clark's tendency to sometimes hit the floor or go after officials are legitimate issues that the 24-year-old needs to address.
But other complaints? Well, let's just say that Armor has left the imaginary world far, far behind.
DAVE PORTNOY BLASTS USA TODAY COLUMNIST FOR CAITLIN CLARK'S COMPLAINTS OF REFEREES INFLUENCING PAIN.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
He argued that Clark's controversial calls put “black” and “queer” WNBA players “at risk.” Even Clark himself is often abused or mistreated, with little protection from league officials. He cited examples of communications that he said Clark exaggerated, and accused him of some fans sending inappropriate and offensive messages to WNBA players. Even though Clark never, and never has, encouraged that behavior. In fact, he did the opposite, saying that in 2024, fans should not use him to incite racism or abuse opposing players.
But all of that pales in comparison to Emmett Till's profoundly absurd comparisons. How is Till, the 14-year-old kidnapped, tortured and eventually killed in 1955 in Mississippi after being accused by a White woman, related to Caitlin Clark? Well, because Clark's “actions” are said to influence, uh, lynching? Seriously.
“This weekend's WNBA All-Star Game is in Chicago, Emmett Till's hometown, and a local art gallery is currently hosting an exhibit that imagines his life had he not been killed. While it is the responsibility of the WNBA to do more to protect its players, there should also be an expectation for Clark to see the broader consequences of his actions documented.
Caitlin Clark watches the action during the highly anticipated matchup of the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces. (David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark tells officials that being abused on the basketball court can lead to “consequences” like Emmett Till, that's what it says. The segment drew so much attention for its offensive premise that Armor issued an apology to the patriarchal home of sportswriter liberalism, BlueSky, saying it was “a ridiculous comparison.”
USA TODAY REPORTER APOLOGIZES FOR INCLUDING EMMETT TILL IN COLUMN ABOUT CAITLIN CLARK AFTER INTERRUPTION
It is not played. OutKick reached out to the Emmett Till Foundation to see if they had any comment about Armor trying to arrest Caitlin Clark in a lynch mob, but at press time, had not received a response.
Arms has a long history of funny columns, including one just before the start of the 2026 World Cup that said the US was “already “lost” because of President Donald Trump, or something. But he's just a symptom of a bigger problem. Sports and sports writing is broken. It's used by politics. They can't put things together properly, properly, or without injecting their personal beliefs where they don't belong.
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There are countless examples, and it costs employers ratings, revenue and reputation. Ryan Clark, now formerly of ESPN. I'm Kimes. Jemele Hill. Actually all the staff of The Athletic. Los Angeles Times writers have pushed far-left views on Dodger fans and want their local team to avoid visiting the White House. Crying. Do you remember the reaction and outrage of many sports media when the US Men's National Hockey Team won the gold medal and laughed at a joke made by President Trump? “They failed to meet the cultural moment.” Or “didn't read the room.”
USA Today sportswriter Nancy Armor smiles after an interview during the 2025 WNBA Draft watch party at Studio IX. (Lucas Boland-USA Today)
How many media people have asked Steve Kerr about his ignorance of the truth about the shooting involving ICE in Minnesota, outside OutKick? Or Doc Rivers? How many in the sports media have criticized teams visiting the Biden White House to celebrate their graduation? What about Sophie Cunningham? After bravely speaking out in defense of women's sports, she was quickly bombarded with questions from WNBA media who were angry that they couldn't understand someone telling the truth about biology.
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Nancy Armor is just one in a long, long line of sportswriters who are so obsessed with progressive politics and insert themselves into every story, every situation, every athlete, that they can't stop even when the audience or readers beg them. Comparing Caitlin Clark to Emmett Till may sound absurd or crazy to many readers. But Armor thinks so. And the worst part is, he's not the only one. That's all of them.
