Obama tells Clark to block out WNBA 'nonsense'
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- Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the WNBA All-Star practice on Friday, telling Caitlin Clark "don't let all this nonsense get you down," adding "don't lose that joy" and calling her a "hooper" on a "nice little run."
- Caitlin Clark said her hands got "sweaty and clammy" during the conversation, recounting that Obama reminded her he became famous in his 40s while she is navigating the spotlight at 24.
- Caitlin Clark is in her third WNBA season and will play in her second All-Star Game this week after missing last year's due to injury, coming off the WNBA's first 45-point, 10-assist double-double last week.
- Caitlin Clark spoke out earlier this month against death threats directed at Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas following a no-call on a throat-contact incident, which was retroactively reviewed and led to Thomas's suspension.
- Caitlin Clark picked up her seventh technical foul of the season this week, leaving her one foul away from an automatic suspension.
- Caitlin Clark declined to participate in Friday's 3-point contest but will suit up for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night.
Why it matters: Clark sits one technical foul from an automatic suspension during a stretch that included the WNBA's first 45-point, 10-assist double-double, magnifying every on-court moment — and Obama's public backing underscores how the league's biggest draw now carries a celebrity burden that extends well beyond the game.
