Little did Ari Chambers know that her comment to highlight Rhyne Howard would invite massive backlash. The backlash was aimed at her alleged snub of Caitlin Clark, and Chambers issued with a strong response.

Popular ESPN journalist Ari Chambers praised Rhyne Howard for her impeccable gameplay at the World Cup qualifiers. The post seemed to have offended some ardent Caitlin Clark fans who felt their star was ignored despite her glowing performances. When they raised the same point, Chambers had some strong words.

“This is the last thing I’m going to say about this. I am grown. This is my Twitter. And I made a post. I appreciate CC & her greatness. In this particular tweet, I wanted to shout out Rhy. Us journalists do not sit and plot how we can slight Caitlin. That just isn’t the case,” said Chambers.

Well, in Chambers’ defense, Howard is having an amazing run with the USA team at the FIBA qualifiers in Puerto Rico. Even the last game against New Zealand saw her shooting 6-10 (.600) from deep and finishing with a game-high 18 points. So it is what it is. This was in no way a comment made to discredit Caitlin Clark in any manner, Chambers feels.

“Also, while we’re here, in not-so-related news, Rhy did her big one with USA Basketball this past week. ‘Tis all,” Chambers added.

But obviously, this was deemed as a departure from tradition when it came to CC, as the most-watched basketball star is known for being a favorite among other journalists.

Caitlin Clark Has Always Been Journalists’ Favorite

It’s rare for any player to command the spotlight when Caitlin Clark is part of the conversation, which helps explain why Chambers’ tweet, despite not mentioning Clark, still caused a stir.

Take Doug Feinberg, for example, who works for the Associated Press, who emphasized Caitlin’s ability to raise the bar of women’s basketball in 2024, which was unprecedented. Feinberg also took into account her role in leading Iowa to a national championship game that would help her earn the No. 1 spot.

Fox News commentator Kennedy Montgomery did the same in December 2024. Kennedy described Caitlin as the “cultural lightning rod,” showing how vital Clark is for the game. Montgomery also pointed out how Clark inspired “millions and millions of girls and young women” to play basketball, boosting the viewership in women’s basketball.

Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen also pointed out what Caitlin has been for women’s basketball. During the Knicks vs Pacers broadcast, he spoke about how instrumental Caitlin has been – “packed the building every game,” how her Fever games outdrew the Pacers games, and that can only be done by someone who is a generational talent.

Caitlin Clark returned to the fray after eight months, finally recovering from a severe right groin injury and a subsequent left ankle bone bruise. Her form, her movement, has not been affected at all, and she is still controlling the glass. Naturally, despite Rhyne Howard’s form its CC who is still leading the team on points (11.6 ppg).

This clearly shows why a simple comment by Chambers would be blown out of proportion, even when there is no malice involved. Because CC fans don’t take kindly to things when they feel that their star is “overlooked.”