Joe Rogan is facing criticism after using offensive language to describe WNBA players during a discussion about the league’s physicality on his podcast.
The popular comedian and UFC commentator was in conversation with fellow comedian Tony Hinchcliffe when they started talking about the drama unfolding in the WNBA, particularly centering around Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and her confrontations involving Caitlin Clark.
“Have you caught up with the WNBA? Who’s the girl that’s pointing at everybody?” Hinchcliffe inquired. Rogan responded that while he hadn’t been following the league closely, he did notice one standout aspect.
“I noticed in this league the fouls are insane,” Rogan remarked. “These b*tches throw each other to the ground.” He further claimed that players “will literally try to poke each other in the eyes,” describing the on-court aggression as “crazy.”
Hinchcliffe concurred that the physicality had been “wild.” Rogan then turned his attention to what he perceived as frequent travelling violations, stating that players “take five steps without dribbling and nobody calls them on it.”
Throughout the discussion, Rogan expanded on his criticisms of modern basketball in general, contending that officiating across the sport has become inconsistent in enforcing rules like travels and double dribbles.
“I always thought if you took a step, you had to bounce the ball,” he commented. “That’s how it should be.” Rogan suggested that stricter rule enforcement would make the game “exciting” again, contrasting the current officiating unfavorably with the time periods of basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing.
“I wish I loved the NBA like I did when I was a kid,” Rogan confessed, reminiscing about how much more physical the game once was compared to today.
Sophie Cunningham has emerged as one of the most talked-about figures in the WNBA this season, largely because of her readiness to physically support her Indiana Fever teammate Caitlin Clark. Clark has been frequently fouled since joining the league.
Clark is widely praised for significantly boosting WNBA viewership and attendance since being drafted. She has been involved in numerous high-profile incidents this season, sparking debate among pundits and fans over whether the physicality directed at her is excessive.
Cunningham has previously spoken out about defending Clark on the court, which has only fueled ongoing narratives surrounding the duo.
Clips of Rogan’s comments have circulated broadly on social media, attracting criticism for his choice of language about the players, while others have engaged in discussions about his separate point on officiating.
UNILAD have approached Joe Rogan for comment