On a recent episode of Nightcap, sports personalities Shannon Sharpe (Unc) and Chad “Ocho” Johnson reacted to the shocking news that WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark was snubbed from being a unanimous Rookie of the Year (ROY), despite her incredible debut season. Both Unc and Ocho were visibly frustrated and disappointed by the decision, and they didn’t hold back in calling out the oversight, labeling it as an unjust and baffling move by voters.
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA was nothing short of spectacular. She put up jaw-dropping numbers, consistently dominated games, and quickly became the face of the league with her scoring ability, court vision, and clutch performances. Many fans and analysts expected her to be a unanimous pick for Rookie of the Year. But in a surprising twist, a few voters left her off their ballots, preventing her from securing the unanimous ROY title.
Unc was the first to voice his displeasure. “This girl did everything you could ask for in a rookie and then some! How in the world does she not get a unanimous vote? What more does she have to do? She’s been carrying the league’s excitement on her back since she stepped on the court.” Sharpe emphasized that Clark’s stats, impact on her team, and ability to draw fans to the WNBA should have made her a clear and unanimous choice.
Ocho, known for his fiery opinions, added his two cents. “This is crazy, man. Caitlin Clark is out there changing the game. She’s box office, and you telling me someone didn’t think she deserved every vote? Nah, that’s a snub, plain and simple. There’s no excuse for this. It feels like people just trying to stir up controversy instead of giving her the flowers she deserves.”
The conversation then shifted to whether this decision reflects deeper issues within the WNBA’s voting system or even biases at play. Unc and Ocho both hinted that Clark’s rise as a young star in a league that has struggled for mainstream attention might have rubbed some traditionalists the wrong way. Ocho noted, “Maybe some people don’t like how quickly she’s become the face of the league, but that shouldn’t take away from what she’s done on the court.”
Fans of Caitlin Clark echoed Unc and Ocho’s sentiments across social media, with many calling the snub a disservice to a player who clearly deserved unanimous recognition for her once-in-a-generation talent. While Clark still won the Rookie of the Year title, the fact that she wasn’t a unanimous selection left a sour taste for her supporters.
Unc and Ocho wrapped up their conversation by encouraging Clark to use this moment as fuel for the future. “If I’m Caitlin, I’m taking this and running with it. I’m coming back next season with a chip on my shoulder, ready to show everybody that she’s more than just the ROY — she’s the future of this league,” Unc said.
Ocho agreed, adding, “They snubbed her this time, but you can’t deny greatness forever. Caitlin’s gonna be on top for years to come. Trust that.”
While the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year voting process is over for this season, the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark’s snub will likely remain a talking point for a while. As Unc and Ocho pointed out, Clark’s rookie campaign was nothing short of historic, and while she didn’t get the unanimous vote many expected, her journey in the WNBA is just beginning.
