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Former NFL MVP Cam Newton is no stranger to bold takes, and his latest comments are setting off a firestorm in the basketball world. Newton has waded into March Madness conversation by weighing in on two of the biggest names in women's basketball: USC star JuJu Watkins and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark.
With the NCAA Tournament in full swing and Watkins leading the USC Trojans into the Sweet 16, Newton didn't hesitate to share where his loyalties lie during the most recent episode of his 4th&1 Podcast.
"JuJu is a bigger baller than Caitlin Clark," Newton said. "I said it, and it has nothing to do with black and white, but the statistics say what everybody needs to be knowing. Juju is a better athlete than Caitlin Clark."
Newton clarified his statement wasn't meant to take anything away from Clark's achievements, but rather to highlight the athletic edge he sees in Watkins.
"That's not to say Caitlin Clark ain't good because she's fu**ing phenomenal," he added. "She's been what the game has been missing, and I love that for her, but if I'm speaking facts, that's what the facts is."
Comparing two rising forces in women's basketball
The comment, unsurprisingly, sparked immediate reaction across social media and sports media platforms.
While Newton framed his opinion around athleticism, many fans and analysts rushed to dissect the broader implications, with some interpreting the take as dismissive of Clark's historic run in college and her quick impact on the WNBA.
Clark, who starred for the Iowa Hawkeyes, became one of the most talked-about players in women's college basketball history. She finished her college career as the NCAA's all-time leading scorer before being drafted by the Indiana Fever.
In her rookie season, she captured the WNBA Rookie of the Year title and quickly became one of the faces of the league with her sharpshooting range and playmaking skills.
Meanwhile, Watkins, just a freshman at USC, has emerged as one of the brightest stars of this year's March Madness. Averaging over 24 points per game and helping the Trojans advance to the Sweet 16, Watkins is proving she's more than just potential-she's already delivering under pressure.