Robert Griffin III says Caitlin Clark is still “ballin” as early-season shooting and turnover questions fuel online backlash.
Caitlin Clark’s early WNBA struggles are drawing sharp criticism, and retired NFL star Robert Griffin III says he’s fed up with the “hate” — even as the Indiana Fever star begins the season amid a barrage of debate.
Clark has helped expand the league’s profile in ways not seen before, but she’s also become a lightning rod for fans and critics. With turnover issues and struggles from long range becoming major talking points, the noise around her performances has intensified after the first games of the season.
Griffin, a former NFL quarterback and a 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, addressed the backlash directly on X. In his post, he pointed to Clark’s production through the Fever’s first two games, arguing that the discussion has already turned negative as detractors attempt to reduce her impact.
He highlighted that Indiana’s opening weekend featured Clark scoring heavily and adding playmaking value, while also showing rebounds in both contests. Griffin’s message was essentially that the early numbers don’t match the level of dismissal coming from certain parts of the fandom.
He also pushed back on the idea that Clark’s reputation is merely “hype,” emphasizing that she is still finding ways to drive the offense. In his view, even if the shot from beyond the arc isn’t falling consistently yet, her overall game still affects Indiana’s rhythm and scoring.
The timing of Griffin’s intervention matters because Clark is coming off a season disrupted by injury.. The report noted that she missed 31 games last year. and that the current season’s early moments may require time for her to fully regain timing and sharpness — particularly from distance. where the chatter has focused.
At the same time, the criticism is not arriving out of nowhere.. The report stated that Clark’s long-range shooting and turnover totals are part of what critics have latched onto. with figures pointing to a relatively low 3-point field goal percentage and turnover production across her young WNBA career.
Yet the same snapshot of her first two games also underscores that the story isn’t only about missed jumpers. The report listed that Clark is averaging points, shooting at an overall mark from the floor, and contributing with assists and rebounds through the season’s opening pair of contests.
Griffin framed Clark’s situation as something he believes he can relate to. given his own experience stepping away from limelight after injury.. His stance suggests that patience — and judging the bigger picture — is especially important when a player is working back from time away and re-centering their game.
While the debate continues, Griffin’s message hinted at what could quiet the criticism most quickly: a strong next performance.. He specifically singled out a matchup against the Washington Mystics this Friday night as an opportunity for Clark to make a statement and reduce the volume of the online noise.
For Indiana, the implications go beyond one player’s stat line.. When expectations are high. early-season shooting can become a public referendum. but the Fever still needs Clark’s playmaking and scoring to stabilize offensive output as the season settles.. With turnovers and 3-point consistency already under scrutiny. her ability to deliver across categories will likely shape how long the backlash lasts.
Caitlin Clark hate Indiana Fever Robert Griffin III WNBA season Washington Mystics 3-point struggles