The WNBA has been no stranger to drama in recent years, but one controversy involving Erica Wheeler has truly set the basketball world on fire. As the 2024 season heats up, Wheeler, a former Indiana Fever guard, has sparked outrage among fans by publicly supporting Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark’s college rival, despite previously portraying herself as a mentor to Clark. This betrayal of the league’s rising star has left fans stunned and questioning Wheeler’s true intentions.

It all began with Wheeler’s relationship with Clark, who was the Fever’s highly-anticipated number one overall pick. In early 2024, Wheeler appeared to take Clark under her wing, offering guidance and support to the rookie as she navigated the transition to the WNBA. In a viral TikTok video, Wheeler spoke about the challenges of being a rookie and how she made an effort to welcome Clark to the team, emphasizing that she would always have her back, despite being in the same position as a fellow player. To most fans, this seemed like a genuine act of mentorship.

However, as the season progressed, fans started to notice something suspicious. Despite her friendly public persona, Wheeler’s actions behind the scenes told a very different story. Her social media activity became a subject of scrutiny when she was seen engaging with posts that criticized Clark and aligning herself with those in the anti-Clark camp. This subtle but noticeable shift raised eyebrows, and many began to question Wheeler’s true feelings toward her former teammate.

The drama truly escalated when Wheeler jumped to the defense of WNBA MVP Asia Wilson after old tweets resurfaced, which many fans found deeply problematic. Instead of remaining neutral, Wheeler staunchly supported Wilson, despite the controversy surrounding her past remarks. Fans quickly interpreted this as another blow to Clark, and when they called her out on it, Wheeler responded with a dismissive tweet: “Y’all fans are something else. I can never win with y’all unless it’s about Caitlin.” This cryptic message only fueled the fire, confirming what many had suspected—Wheeler harbored resentment toward Clark.

But the situation took an even darker turn when Wheeler explicitly sided with Angel Reese, Clark’s biggest rival. The rivalry between Clark and Reese, which started during their college careers, continued into their professional journeys. By backing Reese, Wheeler not only threw her support behind Clark’s competitor but also effectively placed herself in direct opposition to Clark, a move that stunned Fever fans who had previously admired her.

Wheeler’s response to the backlash? A dismissive post celebrating her personal achievements, such as selling one of her houses and noting how “blessings have been pouring in.” This tone-deaf reaction further alienated fans who felt betrayed and ignored. As one fan put it, “Love you but didn’t expect this from you.” Another fan even requested a refund on a donation they had made to Wheeler’s cause, highlighting the deep sense of disappointment felt by many.

The situation has raised important questions about the changing landscape of the WNBA. With stars like Caitlin Clark drawing immense media attention and sponsorships, some veterans like Wheeler may feel overshadowed by the new generation of players. While some fans have speculated that Wheeler’s animosity toward Clark is rooted in jealousy, others argue that this is simply the reality of a league that is growing rapidly and attracting new fans.

One thing is clear: the WNBA is at a crossroads. As the league evolves, tensions between the old guard and the new stars will continue to simmer. The rivalry between Clark and Reese may be part of a larger shift, and players like Wheeler are learning the hard way that in the age of social media, every action and statement is scrutinized. Whether this drama will help or hurt the WNBA in the long run is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure—the basketball world is watching closely.