"Leave her alone": Fans react as Jason Whitlock 'disrespects' Caitlin Clark with LGBTQ icon Megan Rapione comparison

Columnist Jason Whitlock was under fire on Thursday for sharing an image of WNBA star Caitlin Clark. The picture that morphed Clark and soccer star Megan Rapinoe's headshots garnered angry reactions from fans who responded to the post on X (formerly Twitter).

The graphic posted by Whitlock showed Caitlin Clark donning Megan Rapinoe's hairdo as the 'Fearless' host captioned the post:

"The Process."

The former Fox and ESPN writer's actions stemmed from Caitlin Clark's interview with Time Magazine. During the exchange, Clark expressed her views on white privilege and the upliftment of black women, which led to Whitlock's comparing her to LGBTQ icon Megan Rapinoe.

Fans were not happy with this comparison and went off on Jason in the comments, retweeting his initial post:

"That is disrespectful. You are going to far," one fan commented.

"You obese b*tch. Leave her alone." retorted another fan.

"Let. Her. Go." demanded another fan.

Although fans were in support of Clark, many were left disappointed with her political creed. These fans too flocked to the comment section as they voiced their opinions on Whitlock's tweet:

"Don’t give up on CC so soon, JW. She just tried to walk the political tightrope and it didn’t go very well. I refuse to believe that CC will go woke." pleaded a fan.

"Yep they got her. Just like they have with so many of our youngsters from this generation." wrote another fan.

"Now this is funny, but so true!" remarked a third handle.

The Time Magazine interview has divided the fans. Her comments while encouraging have sparked a huge discourse among fans, who seem divided by political inclinations.

Riley Gaines expresses disappointment in Caitlin Clark after her Time interview

Swimmer and women's rights activist, Riley Gaines took to X (formerly Twitter) Thursday voicing her disappointment in Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever star who was selected as Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year used her platform to express her views on White privilege and black women and that hasn't gone well.

Fans, media and now athletes have all retorted to Clark's comments, with many believing she should have remained diplomatic. Gaines had a similar belief as she took to social media to convey her notion with a message:

"No one was asking for Caitlin Clark to position herself as a right-wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She’s a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play & achieve, so I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one." she wrote.

The University of Kentucky alumnus who has been vocal against transgender participation in women's sports voiced her disappointment, believing Clark should have remained 'neutral.' Furthermore, Caitlin blatantly choosing a side of the political spectrum has left many people upset as they believe her going political was unnecessary.