Bob Costas in CNN interview: WNBA has 'Black-on-Black' double standard with Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark incidents

The WNBA has been in the spotlight over the last few days and everyone has an opinion to be heard.

Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is at the center of the outrage after taking a flagrant foul from Sky guard Chennedy Carter during a game on Saturday. The hard foul sparked some intense conversations about how Clark has had a target on her back since coming into the league.

NBA players are calling for Indiana to find an enforcer to have Clark’s back. ESPN analysts are arguing over how the WNBA is being covered as it grows in popularity. Other WNBA stars like Angel Reese are making sure it’s known that the uptick in interest around the league goes beyond Clark.

The league’s controversy is one of the most popular topics in sports right now and CNN called on former sportscaster Bob Costas to weigh in.

Costas is a legend in sports broadcasting, having worked for NBC Sports for nearly 40 years from 1980 to 2019. He is mostly known for his work with the Olympics, NFL, NBA and MLB, so asking for his take on the latest in the WNBA caught some people by surprise.

Here’s what Costas had to say about the situation.

MORE: Angel Reese’s Caitlin Clark comment went viral for all the wrong reasons

Bob Costas’ CNN interview on Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese

Costas was quick to point out that a week ago, there was an incident between Sun star Alyssa Thomas and Sky rookie Reese that was glossed over.

Thomas was ejected for slamming Reese to the ground as the two fought for a rebound during a matchup on May 25.

“There was an incident, Alyssa Thomas, who happens to be African American, grabbed Angel Reese by the throat and threw her to the floor. Flagrant 2, ejected from the game,” Costas began.

“The reason why that doesn’t spark as much conversation isn’t just that Caitlin Clark is a bigger star than Alyssa Thomas. It’s because it’s a Black-on-Black incident.”

Bob Costas had a strong take why Alyssa Thomas’ flagrant foul on Angel Reese last week received less coverage than Chennedy Carter’s on Caitlin Clark this weekend. “It’s because it’s a Black-on-Black incident.” pic.twitter.com/zOQN9zheMD

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 4, 2024

Costas’ comments immediately caught fire across social media.

Cari Champion, a sports broadcaster who joined Costas on CNN and weighed in on the topic immediately after, applauded Costas for his stance on the matter.

Cari Champion responds to Bob Costas’ comments

Champion took to X, quote-tweeting, “Plus… a black woman also weighs in …” on the viral “Awful Announcing” post.

Plus… a black woman also weighs in … https://t.co/kw0pwCUrAI

— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) June 4, 2024

“No one cared about the WNBA when women of a certain color were beating up and bruising each other because it’s been happening since the league’s inception,” Champion said in the interview.

“We have this star. This person that people love. They want to protect her. So now, the new fans and the new analysts and the new people have so much to say.

“Bob, thank you so much for saying that and acknowledging that,” Champion stated. “You’re a legend in the sport and you are also gracious enough to say, ‘Look, I’m not an expert in the WNBA, but what I do know from history, this is why she is being treated this way.'”

Champion went on to explain her frustration with the way WNBA players are being pinned as “jealous” of Clark.

“I’m sorry. I’m livid. My blood is boiling. I’ve been so angry about this topic all day,” Champion begins.

“… There should be more layers to this sport. If you’re really going to welcome yourself to the WNBA and cover it and talk about it, can we be more than just jealous? Can there be some real true competition? Can they just be athletes?” Champion concluded.