Angel McCoughtry is pushing back against the backlash surrounding her recent comments about Caitlin Clark, and the former WNBA star is now raising the possibility of legal action. A podcast discussion about beauty and popularity in women’s basketball has taken an unexpected turn, with McCoughtry accusing critics of twisting her words. The five-time WNBA All-Star has denied calling Clark ugly and suggested that the online reaction could have legal consequences. Her response has also brought renewed attention to the debate over appearance, popularity and recognition in women’s basketball.
Angel McCoughtry threatens legal action over Caitlin Clark remarks
The controversy began during Angel McCoughtry’s appearance on the podcast Get to the Point last Thursday. When asked whether she considered Caitlin Clark pretty, the former Atlanta Dream forward laughed off the question and shifted the conversation towards Clark’s Indiana Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham.Some fans interpreted her response as a slight against Clark and criticised the former WNBA star. However, McCoughtry has strongly rejected the suggestion that she insulted the Indiana Fever guard.Taking to Threads on Sunday, she questioned whether the claims made about her comments could amount to defamation.“I never called Anyone ugly, those words never came out my mouth. I don’t even think in that way. So when people lie and say you said something you didn’t or paint a lying picture. Isn’t that a defamation lawsuit?”Her response has added another layer to an already heated discussion involving one of the WNBA’s biggest stars. McCoughtry’s original argument focused on how physical appearance can influence public attention and commercial opportunities in women’s basketball.“In the NFL or the NBA, if you’re good, you’re good. In the WNBA, if you look pretty…you might not be the best player…I went to a conference, and everybody loved Indiana. They loved Caitlin Clark. I said, how many of you know Kelsey Mitchell? None of them raised their hand.”She then used Cunningham as an example, pointing to the attention and commercial opportunities the Fever guard has received despite averaging single-digit points.
Angel McCoughtry raises WNBA safety concerns after death threats
The former Atlanta Dream star also revealed that speaking about Clark and the attention surrounding her has exposed her to disturbing online abuse.“I’ve gotten death threats for covering Caitlin Clark. So, we need protection. I’m not in the league, so who’s protecting me when I have to cover issues about the league?”McCoughtry argued that the WNBA needs to take the safety of former players seriously, particularly those who continue to discuss league-related issues after retirement.She also raised concerns about financial protection for current players. According to McCoughtry, the league previously offered $100,000 to players who retired after completing at least 10 WNBA seasons.She questioned whether that amount was enough to cover the long-term costs of injuries and medical procedures. Podcast co-hosts Terrell Owens and Chris Spencer also expressed concern about the financial burden former athletes can face.The dispute has now moved beyond a discussion about Caitlin Clark’s popularity. McCoughtry’s comments have raised wider questions about online harassment, player protection and the pressures facing women in professional basketball.
