AI Summary
5 min readThe Sides That Actually Matter
On a recent episode of The Ben Maller Show, host Brian Noe (filling in for Ben Maller) took on the escalating controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark and the WNBA—specifically the June 24th incident where Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas placed her fist on Clark's throat during a game. The WNBA suspended Thomas for one game after review, and Thomas subsequently reported receiving death threats. What could have been a straightforward disciplinary matter has instead become a culture-war flashpoint, and Noe used the segment to argue that the entire debate has lost sight of the only distinction that matters: right versus wrong.
The incident and the suspension
The backstory is straightforward. The Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury played a chippy game on June 22nd, and two nights later, during a June 24th rematch, Alyssa Thomas kneed Caitlin Clark and placed her fist on Clark's throat. No foul was called during the game, but the WNBA reviewed the play afterward and suspended Thomas for one game. Thomas subsequently reported receiving death threats, which prompted Fever head coach Stephanie White to publicly condemn the toxicity, racism, and homophobia directed at Thomas.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (07:02) **Caitlin Clark vs. Alyssa Thomas: The Incident and the Fallout** - Host Brian Noe introduces the central topic: the escalating controversy around a physical play between Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas, and the toxic discourse it has generated.
- 2 (10:32) **The Core Argument: Right vs. Wrong, Not Team vs. Team** - Host argues that the public is getting the sides of the debate twisted, focusing on race, sexuality, or fandom instead of the only sides that matter: right and wrong.
- 3 (16:37) **Critique of Bad Takes: Emmanuel Acho and Chiney Ogwumike** - Host calls out what he considers illogical arguments from prominent sports figures about the Clark-Thomas incident.
- 4 (21:56) **Thesis Restatement and Transition** - Host reiterates his central thesis: the only sides that matter are right and wrong, and losing sight of that leads to "Wackyville."
- 5 (28:43) **Militia Call: Stephen A. Smith's Lakers Take and NBA Trade Analysis** - Caller Andre critiques Stephen A. Smith's "culture war" take on the Lakers having three white players, arguing the team is simply building around Luka Doncic with the right fit.
- 6 (37:08) **Militia Call: "Getting to Know" Brian Noe** - Caller Blaine Scott delivers an impressively detailed, off-the-cuff biography of the host, covering his career, personality, and personal life.
- 7 (46:16) **Getting to Know: Rapid Fire with Lorena** - Host and co-host Lorena engage in a lighthearted rapid-fire Q&A session.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Brian Noe, filling in for Ben Maller, discusses the widespread outrage of Caitlin Clark's treatment in the WNBA. Noe showcases why the WNBA has turned their back on their biggest start and they need her more than ever.
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