“You Need That Ride-Or-Die Coach”: Caitlin Clark Needs To Change Fever HC Stephanie White Because She Is Lesbian, Says Jason Whitlock

While questions continue to swirl around whether Caitlin Clark is truly built to carry the WNBA, Jason Whitlock believes the Indiana Fever need to make some serious changes—starting at the top.

On Thursday’s episode of the Fearless podcast, Whitlock argued that for Clark to fully thrive and lead the Fever to their second WNBA championship, the organization must find her a coach who will go all-in on her development and protection—much like John Thompson once did for Allen Iverson.

“She needs her version of John Thompson. John Thompson took on Allen Iverson in college. Allen Iverson was very polarizing coming into college because he had just gotten out of jail,” Whitlock said.

He didn’t stop there, going on to question whether current Fever head coach Stephanie White is the right person for the job.

“You gotta have that ride-or-die head coach, and Stephanie White doesn’t have the profile being a white woman, being a lesbian. I don’t know if she can be that ride-or-die person for Caitlin Clark and get in that foxhole with her.”

 
May 4, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on with head coach Stephanie White during the third quarter against the Brazil National Team at Carver-Haweye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Whitlock urged the Fever to dig deep into their resources and invest in someone who can not only coach Caitlin Clark but build the franchise entirely around her. According to him, it’s not about identity—it’s about results and commitment.

“Lighting an Incense and Praying”: WNBA Fans React to Another Caitlin Clark Injury

Caitlin Clark’s durability has become another major concern for fans after the Fever announced on Thursday that she will miss their upcoming game against the LA Sparks due to a groin injury.

This comes just weeks after Clark suffered a left quad issue early in the 2025 season, which kept her out of five straight games between May 29 and June 11. Many fans believe her recent return may have been rushed, pressured by expectations to keep the Fever competitive.

 
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) kneels down in frustration after a turnover call from the referee on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Social media was quick to express both concern and frustration over the sophomore superstar’s health:

“This explains a lot. No way she’s this off, if not for injury. Rest up and back stronger,” one user commented.

“Let her sit until she is 100%. There is a lot of season left. She can’t elevate for shots on a bum leg,” another fan added.

 
Jun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

And in a more emotional response, one fan wrote, “Lighting an incense and praying to gods I don’t believe in to heal that left leg.”

For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.

Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.