Caitlin Clark hasn’t even played a regular-season game with the Indiana Fever, and there’s been no shortage of strange questions in her direction.
Just over two weeks ago, Indy Star columnist Gregg Doyel came under fire for what he described as a “clumsy and awkward” interaction with Clark, though it was much more than that. While this latest awkward interaction with a reporter isn’t quite that, it still sparked discussion because of the nature of the question.
Ahead of her debut, a reporter surprised Clark by asking about her “bae” attending the game, referring to her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery.
Reporter: “Is bae gonna be here?”
Caitlin Clark: “Huh, no. He’s working… I’m playing solo. I better get used to him, man.” 😅
(via marca.en / IG)pic.twitter.com/C54uq1UmKz
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 4, 2024
“Huh, no. He’s working,” said Clark. “I’m playing solo. I better get used to it, man.”
If you’re unfamiliar with the terminology, “bae” is a term of endearment for a significant other, shortened for “babe” or “baby.” While some interpret its origin as the acronym “before anyone else,” it’s much more likely to be an example of a backronym, which is an acronym formed from an already-existing word.
So, it’s likely that the reporter was trying to connect with the 22-year-old Clark on a personal yet casual level. And it just missed the mark, as many others, like The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach, noted how strange the entire interaction was.
can people just please be normal around Caitlin Clark https://t.co/kG2KZm9DAO
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) May 5, 2024
can people please just not be weird as hell around her https://t.co/8enAsiKiBm
— Jimmy Mack (@jcmack03) May 5, 2024
Why is it so difficult for reporters to not ask weird questions. Just ask about basketball https://t.co/rHcZpn0THf
— Nate (@HeavonHoops) May 5, 2024
why are so many reporters being so weird with Caitlin??? you can ask her a million other questions…..about….you know…BASKETBALL, but you settle with is bae gonna be here??????????? please, reporters out there, stop being cringe and gross. https://t.co/G3jDwhzgux
— karin. 🇦🇲 (@KarinAbcarians) May 5, 2024
While the “bae” question might not seem entirely out of place considering the interview context — discussing family attendance — it still feels awkward. Obviously, there was no malicious intent, and it would definitely be a stretch to say it was inappropriate. But it did highlight a curious word choice, especially with Clark initially confused about who the reporter was asking about.
Some fun tidbits at the end of Caitlin Clark’s media scrum this morning, including:
– her reaction to signing the ultrasound
– wearing NaLyssa Smith and Erica Wheeler’s chains on media day
– if any family, or “bae” is coming to the game tonight pic.twitter.com/fVrQpIvtYe— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 3, 2024
And given Clark’s engaging personality throughout the interview, such tactics to spark intrigue seem unnecessary.
[Chloe Peterson on X, BroBible]
