Pat McAfee, former NFL punter and sports personality, issued an apology after his controversial comments about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during Monday’s edition of The Pat McAfee Show. McAfee faced backlash for his explicit description of Clark while praising her talent and criticizing media coverage.

“I shouldn’t have used ‘white b***h' as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark,” McAfee said in his apology posted on X, formerly Twitter. “No matter the context … I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe.”

McAfee’s rant followed a late-game hard foul on Clark by Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter in the Fever’s 71-70 win on Saturday, further fueling discussions about Clark’s treatment in the WNBA. Despite McAfee’s intent to compliment Clark, his choice of words sparked criticism from media members and fans, leading to his public apology and personal outreach to Clark.

His rant began by addressing the media’s coverage of the WNBA rookie class, particularly singling out Clark.

“I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class.’ Nah, just call it for what it is — there's one white b***h for the Indiana team who is a superstar,” McAfee said.

In his apology, he explained that his intentions were complimentary but acknowledged that his choice of words was inappropriate and offensive.

“My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize… I have sent an apology to Caitlin as well,” McAfee said.

The incident further highlights the ongoing narrative that Clark, a former NCAA standout, is a frequent target in the WNBA.

Critics, including sports journalists and fans, quickly reacted to McAfee’s remarks. Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic called the comments “beyond unacceptable,” while Marcus “Doc” Holliday, Action News 5 sports director, said such language is inappropriate on national platforms, regardless of context.

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Caitlin Clark named WNBA Rookie of the Month

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Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a tough weekend, Clark was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for May on Monday. Clark becomes the third player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Aliyah Boston and Natalie Achonwa.

Clark posted impressive stats through the first month of the season, leading all 2024 rookies in scoring (17.6 points per game), field goals made (46), three-point field goals made (24), free throws made (42), assists (6.6 per game) and minutes played (33.0 per game), per the Indiana Fever. Among all players in May, Clark tied with Phoenix Mercury veteran Diana Taurasi for first in three-point field goals made, ranked second in assists (59) and tied for second in free throws made.

Clark’s accolades continue to mount as she joins Candace Parker and Sabrina Ionescu as the only players in WNBA history with over 100 points, 30 rebounds and 30 assists in their first six career games. Notably, on May 28, she recorded her first 30-point game against the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the 27th time a Fever player has scored over 30 points in a regular season game. Her 20 points in the season opener May 14 against Connecticut was the second-most by a Fever rookie in a debut game, behind only Tamika Catchings.

Clark has consistently distributed five or more assists in eight straight games in May, with her current streak at 10 games. The Fever’s next game is against the Washington Mystics on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.