It was Sunday. The Indiana Fever had just lost to the New York Liberty. The post game discussions should have been about the team performance. It was dismal, to say the least. But, unsurprisingly, everything was focused on another Caitlin Clark moment. Now, the hoops community simply can’t get enough of her.

Every move that Caitlin makes, every action, on and off the court, is scrutinized. Her calls on the court and her choices off the court. It does not matter. Everything about Caitlin is a topic for debate. And a similar incident happened in Fever’s game against Liberty. The hype reached a level where it elicited an honest admission from CC herself.

“I’m human too, I am not perfect,” Clark said. ” And sometimes it’s hard for the common fans or people that don’t play competitive sports at this level, that we go through a lot of really hard things too,” she added.

This was in response to a question by Christine Brennan, where she asks if all the publicity and attention she receives for her on-court behaviour is actually a compliment. Brennan also points out that the media can’t stop talking about CC.

“They had a year off,” Caitlin jokingly replies.

She points out that while she remains at the center of media attention, and this could also mean somewhat of a compliment, it also sort of puts great responsibility on her.

She goes on to explain that a similar incident happened while she was in college, where she threw a ball off her head. The media was quick to pick that up as well. But she humbly accepts that there is always a human side to her and the players as well.

“There’s a few moments where you get frustrated with yourself, and you try to take a deep breath, ” she remarks.

She goes on to mention that professional basketball players have to go through a lot of pressure. And their actions and reactions can sometimes have the wrong effect on people. This does not mean that she or anyone has an excuse. It simply means that they are always trying to be a better version of themselves. And Caitlin holds herself to that standard as well.

Let’s put it into context. This viral moment happened on the day New York beat Indiana, when Clark was coming onto the court after a timeout. While walking back on the court, it seems that Caitlin did not see her teammate Tyasha Harris trying to high-five her. Caitlin’s head appeared hanging low, and then Tyasha just tapped her shoulder. Instead of a high five, she settled for a pat on the shoulder. And that was it, the internet had it’s next Caitlin moment.

The reaction was very quick and sharp from experts, pundits, and fans and everyone in between. Some called her a bad teammate while others called her arrogant. Some even called her egotistic and some fans were pointing out at potential locker room discontent.

So, yes, it’s possible to miss a high five. But that does not make Caitlin a bad teammate. As she says, she is also human. And humans sure can make mistakes that should not be blown out of proportion.

It’s tough being Caitlin Clark

Ever since Caitlin Clark arrived in the league, the hype and frenzy around her have been constant. And it works in everybody’s favour as well. She draws the crowds. She draws attention. It’s a wise move to follow her around. And blow up every detail that surrounds her life, both on and off the court. It’s good for the numbers. For everybody. As the analysts call it, ‘Clarkonomics’ is at play here.

She has already taken a break from professional basketball. For a year, no less. Imagine that. A 23-year-old rookie taking a break. This was cited as a mental health break, but the core issues behind it remain. And judging by how things have gone this season and last, they will remain in place.

“She’s a human and I think she deserves to give herself some grace, and I think a lot of people around this world should, too,” Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell has said as per Sportsnet about her teammate.

Memories of her on-pitch heated exchange with her head coach Stephanie White are still fresh. Like this incident, it has since been downplayed by White and Caitlin both. Controversy around basketball players in the W is nothing new. But this CC frenzy is something on a different level.

The W would be wise to protect its players. It’s not just about Caitlin here. The league’s profile and appeal are rising. The W will hopefully see a long line of star players in the next few years. This can’t be the playbook as to how the young, emerging players are treated. So, yes, it’s tough being Caitlin Clark right now.