Skip Bayless did not hold back in his criticism of Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson's comments regarding TIME Magazine naming Caitlin Clark Athlete of the Year.
On Bayless' YouTube channel-based show, The Skip Bayless Show, the sports broadcasting and media veteran started off the episode hot.
"I thought what Wizards owner Sheila Johnson said about Caitlin Clark was racist," said Bayless. It doesn't get much more "straight-forward" than that.
Bayless went on for the next nine minutes to explain what Johnson said, what he felt about it, and what he feels Caitlin Clark means for the WNBA's growth.
Bayless mentioned Clark's rise to stardom, namely the way the Iowa product influences WNBA attendance. Bayless said that Clark is the "most entertaining" player in the league, and that her race has nothing to do with her talent. He also made note of the Mystics' attendance in particular, referencing that the two games that Clark and the Fever travelled to Washington D.C. represented the first and third-highest attended games last season.
"Sheila Johnson and every WNBA star should thank God every morning and every night for Caitlin Clark." -Skip Bayless
Bayless did not stop there. He also brought up Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who seems to be inextricably linked to Clark.
"Angel did lead the league in rebounds per game, that is quite a feat for a rookie," said Bayless. "But I'm not sure anyone buys a ticket to watch rebounding."
Bayless explained how Angel has more followers than Clark, and has more "charisma" on social media and in interviews. But Bayless said the disparity lies in the two players' performance on the court.
"Angel, a post player shooting very close to the basket, managed to shoot only 39% from the floor, which ranked 50th of 55 qualified shooters," said Bayless. "That definitely will not sell."
"Caitlin Clark sells."
Bayless is one of countless personalities that have spoken out against the criticism Clark has received. The topic of racial divide in sports is at the center of these conversations, but Bayless had a message for the Mystics owner.
"To me, the one who is deepening the division of racism that could tear this league apart is Sheila Johnson."