By Arian Kashyap
Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier were named captains of the 2025 All-Star team on Monday. Fans who accounted for 50% of the vote overwhelmingly chose Clark, who received a record-breaking 1,293,526 votes. Although CC fans showed their staggering support, ex-ESPN host Doug Kezirian torched them over their voting while passionately defending WNBA players.Kezirian hit back at the fans after they were outraged by the players’ and media panel’s All-Star voting results. While ranked first among guards in fan votes, Clark was ranked third by the media and ninth by the WNBA players. The disparity in the votes saw fans lash out at players, with many labelling them “jealous” and “oblivious.”Alisha Gray was the number one-ranked guard in both media and players’ polls, while Sabrina Ionescu came in second on both lists. While the press placed Clark third on the list, the players saw Skylar Diggins in third, followed by Natasha Cloud, Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Mitchell and Brittney Sykes.Although many were left fuming over the players’ votes, Kezirian claimed many were “botching” the subject.”Why is everyone botching this Caitlin Clark “9th-best Guard” topic???” he questioned on X (formerly Twitter).The TV and betting veteran discussed this topic further on his show “HARD PASS,” explaining how Clark’s performances this season weren’t up to par.”I don’t think this is about other women not acknowledging her, and won’t kiss the ring of Caitlin Clark. This is about who’s played best, who’s All-Star worthy, and you only get four votes for all the guards.” he expressed. (From: 8:40 onwards)Kezirian’s explanation of the overreaction stems from Clark’s lack of games this season. The guard has played nine games this season and has averaged a shooting figure of 29.5% from the three-point line.Gilbert Arenas urges WNBA players to embrace Caitlin Clark after they vote her ninth in the All-Star votingThe basketball world has been divided over Caitlin Clark’s All-Star votes. Although selected as the captain by overwhelming support from fans, players haven’t been forthcoming towards the Fever star, who was voted ninth in the ballot.Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas opened up on this topic during his podcast, as he urged the players to embrace Clark.”Just enjoy and go on with it … she eats, y’all ea,t this is what you wanted, this is what you needed,” he explained.Despite being voted ninth by the players, Caitlin Clark will lead one of the teams during the All-Star break in Indianapolis.