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Caitlin Clark was seen speaking with former President Barack Hussein Obama at WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago on Friday.
She later revealed what the conversation was while speaking to reporters.
“He just complimented me for the way I handle everything. Obviously with everything going on, and he’s certainly someone who’s been in front of the media quite a bit. And he reminded me, he’s like ‘I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s,'” Clark said.
CAITLIN CLARK MAKES WNBA HISTORY WITH RECORD-BREAKING GAME AFTER WEEKS OF CONTROVERSY
“And you know, sometimes, I think people don’t always realize I’m 23 or 24 years old and trying to navigate a lot of different things, while trying to play basketball at the same time. So it was cool to hear that from him. And I think honestly it’s probably a good reminder to all of us to treat people with respect and treat people with grace.”
Footage of the interaction between Clark and Obama was also published by multiple media outlets in attendance.
In the footage by NBC Chicago, Obama appeared to be meeting Clark for the very first time, saying “really nice to meet you. You’re great. You’re fantastic,” as he shook Clark’s hand.
Immediately after that, the 44th president referenced the ongoing controversy surrounding Clark and the WNBA in recent weeks.
“Don’t let all this nonsense get you down. I always say, one of the things that was luckiest for me is, I didn’t get famous until I was like 45. So I was an old a– man. I mean, you’re my daughter’s age… So don’t lose that joy. The game’s like the game. And you’re a hooper.”
Then they took a picture together, and Clark insisted that other WNBA players join in the picture with them.
Obama is considered one of the more controversial presidents in modern American history.
Meanwhile, Clark has been at the center of the biggest controversy in sports in recent weeks after getting punched in the throat by an opposing player. The WNBA has faced a maelstrom of controversy surrounding Clark and other players since then. The controversies often spark emotional viral debates that venture into discussions about racism and sexual orientation.
The controversy came to a head this week when an opinion writer for USA Today published a column that invoked the murder of Emmett Till while criticizing Clark for falling to the floor when hit by opposing players and arguing with referees over foul calls. The column has since drawn immense backlash from both sides of the political aisle, prompting the author to issue a statement that included an apology.
