2 days Ago By LW
he rivalry between and has fueled conversations around the for over a year. While their competitive history dates back to their college days, at Iowa and at LSU, their transition to the professional league has only intensified debates, particularly on social media. Shakira Austin: Clark-Reese controversy is fueling negativity Much of the discourse has centered on race, with critics pointing out disparities in media attention and fan perception.
, who is white, has been a mainstream sensation, while , who is Black, has faced a different reception despite similar success. Now, center is speaking out on how this ongoing battle has affected not only and but the entire . Austin told Us Weekly.
The Mystics star, who was the third overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, acknowledged that negativity around the league has only intensified in the past year. she admitted. Despite the reputation for inclusivity, believes social media has created a , not just for and but for all players.
Even families have felt the weight of online criticism. "It's getting tiring seeing the same annoying comments," she shared. remains hopeful that as the league grows, the conversation will shift toward basketball rather than off-court drama.
she said. As prepares for the 2025 season, she is focused on returning to full health after injuries disrupted her past two campaigns. With the support of the Women's Sports Foundation's Athlete Recovery and Care Commitment Grant, she is optimistic about her future with the .
For now, is determined to block out the noise and focus on what she does best, playing the game. The Mystics will tip off their season on May 16 against the Atlanta Dream, with Austin looking to make a strong statement on the court..
