Bill Maher claims Caitlin Clark is being targeted by WNBA rivals because she's not a lesbian - and because she's white

Bill Maher believes Caitlin Clark is being picked on by WNBA rivals because she is heterosexual in a 'very lesbian' league.

The late-night TV host also claimed that both and sex race play their part after Clark was knocked to the ground by Chicago's Chennedy Carter.

'It’s (because) women are catty, the league is very lesbian and she’s not, and there’s race. There’s a lot going on,' Maher said following the incident, which sent shockwaves around the sporting world. 

'There’s also a racial element to this... it’s not always racism when a white person succeeds.'

DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard argued that Clark is the victim of jealous, race-baiting bullies. 

A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces is among those to have suggested that the Indiana star is being given preferential treatment because she is white.

'It doesn't matter what we all do as black women, we're still going to be swept underneath the rug,' she said.

Clark's teammates have also come in for criticism for not providing the No 1 draft pick with more protection on the court. Maher echoed those sentiments, suggesting 'only women would do this'.

'If this was men, they’d defend each other on their same team,' Maher said on said Friday. 

'Men will fight from two teams, but when somebody checks you on who’s on your team, you defend that guy. I’m just saying men have their bad parts. We’re toxic. We’re dogs. Only women would do this.'

He added: 'Women are catty... even the ones on your own team.'

The comedian quoted former NBA star Matt Barnes, who slammed the Fever players. 'Where the f*** are her teammates at?' he said. 'I’ve seen a couple of girls smirk when she’s got knocked down, half-a** to pick her up… you guys are supposed to be a family.'

He added: 'It’s your guys’ f***ing job to have her back, and to have each others’ backs.'

Carter insisted she had no regrets about the bodycheck, despite the waves of criticism.