Dave Portnoy rips Emmanuel Acho over viral Caitlin Clark comments as WNBA debate intensifies

Emmanuel Acho's comments about Caitlin Clark continue to generate discussion across the sports world, and now one of the Indiana Fever star's most vocal supporters has weighed in.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy reacted Monday after Acho argued that the WNBA would be "better without" Clark, saying the Fever guard has become "a bigger distraction than she is an additive." The remarks quickly spread across social media, drawing criticism from fans and media personalities alike.

Portnoy wasn't interested in debating the substance of Acho's argument.

Portnoy dismisses Acho's Clark comments

Rather than launching into a lengthy rebuttal, Portnoy suggested Acho's comments were designed to generate attention.

On X, Portnoy responded:

"Nobody could be this stupid so I'm gonna give him a pass."

The post was accompanied by a GIF implying he believed the comments were simply an attempt to bait reactions rather than reflect a genuine opinion.

Nobody could be this stupid so I’m gonna give him a pass. https://t.co/kEDxSTS50o pic.twitter.com/KxSIK2vy8P

Portnoy has consistently backed Clark since she entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. The Barstool founder has frequently defended the former Iowa superstar during online debates surrounding her impact on the league and the attention she receives.

His latest response adds another high-profile voice to the growing conversation surrounding Acho's comments.

Clark's impact on the WNBA remains impossible to ignore

Whether praised or criticized, Clark continues to be the league's biggest draw.

Since arriving in the WNBA, she has helped produce record television ratings, increased attendance around the league and generated unprecedented national attention for women's basketball. Road arenas have regularly sold out when the Fever visit, while Clark's games continue to rank among the most-watched broadcasts in league history.

That visibility has also made her one of the most discussed athletes in American sports, with nearly every storyline involving Clark becoming a topic of debate across television and social media.

Acho's comments only added to that ongoing conversation, while Portnoy's response ensured the debate reached an even larger audience.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham's candid Mercury comments spark fierce backlash: 'Wildly unprofessional'

Fever hopeful Clark returns after injury break

While the discussion continues off the court, Clark's primary focus remains returning to the lineup.

The Fever star missed Indiana's most recent game after suffering a back injury, giving her several extra days to recover during the team's schedule break.

The injury came shortly after Clark was involved in one of the season's biggest on-court controversies. During Indiana's game against the Phoenix Mercury, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul after making contact with Clark's neck area. Thomas later served a one-game suspension.

Indiana now has an extended break before returning to action against the Las Vegas Aces on July 5.

The Fever will hope the additional recovery time allows Clark to return healthy as they continue their push in the second half of the WNBA season. With or without the latest social media debate, Clark remains the league's biggest storyline every time she steps onto the court.

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