Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum shared her reflections on the WNBA All-Star Game and the controversy generated by her post-game comments, on the “Bird’s Eye View” podcast.
The Controversy at the All-Star
Plum, in conversation with former WNBA player Sue Bird, addressed the comments she made after the July 19 game in Indianapolis. These comments focused on the players’ decision to wear warm-up shirts with the message “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” within the framework of collective bargaining negotiations with the league. During a post-game press conference, Plum, who played on the winning team led by captain Napheesa Collier against Caitlin Clark’s team, commented that the decision to wear the jerseys was made that very morning and that “zero members of Team Clark were very present” at the meeting.Plum’s comments sparked debate on social media, with some accusing her of criticizing Clark and the players on her All-Star team. Clark, who was injured, did not play in the game. When asked by Bird, Plum explained that she was just trying to be light at that moment. Plum explained that she tried to make a joke about Clark’s team not attending the meeting, referring to the fact that they were possibly “hungover”, as her team had that nickname. “Obviously, we’re all on the same page. We all wear the jerseys. We’re all united. And I think, if anything, I felt more discouraged because I felt it detracted from the moment of what we were trying to do,” she added. Bird also talked about how player comments, even when sarcastic or joking, are sometimes misinterpreted on social media. Plum stated that it’s difficult to even respond to that when it happens. “And if you do, you sound defensive,” Plum said. “So you have to let it go.”I was trying to lighten the situation, okay? But I think it was just that we all agreed before the game. I thought that was a powerful moment and it conveyed the message.
Kelsey Plum
