Caitlin Clark is the target once again and is in the midst of another firestorm in the WNBA after the Indiana Fever’s game against the Phoenix Mercury. Clark exited the game with a back injury and is out indefinitely. The incident has drawn stinging reactions across the league, including from her teammate Sophie Cunningham, who said Clark isn’t being protected enough by referees or the league.
Why Did Sophie Cunningham Speak Out About Caitlin Clark?
Although Cunningham said on her podcast that she did not see the play live, she noted that if saw the contact, they would’ve stood up for Clark immediately, she said. Cunningham also said Clark gets roughed up in almost every game and that officials don’t protect one of the league’s marquee stars. Physical play against Clark has been a concern for us over and over again, Cunningham said.
What Happened During the Game Against the Mercury?
The biggest controversy happened when Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s neck and throat area in a loose-ball scramble. While no foul was called on the floor, the play was reviewed later by the WNBA. The league upgraded the contact to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for a game. Clark also seemed to hurt her back earlier in the game when she came down awkwardly on a three-point attempt.
Is Caitlin Clark Really Being Targeted?
There is no clear indication that the opposing players are trying to intentionally hurt Clark. However, due to her scoring ability and popularity, many teams play a very physical style of defense against her. While that physical play has sometimes gone too far and created perilous situations. Clark has been fouled more flagrantly than any other WNBA player since joining the league in 2024. Some of those fouls were upgraded only after the games had ended.
What Do the Flagrant Foul Numbers Show?
Although many of Clark’s hard fouls went uncalled in live action. In a couple of instances the league would then admit the contact should have been Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2. Questions have been asked if referees are doing enough to protect players in real time because of the slow decision making. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White, who has also expressed frustration, said Clark isn’t being officiated the same as other players.
What does this mean moving forward?
Clark’s injury is the latest in a string of events that have put pressure on the WNBA to improve player safety and officiating. Basketball is a physical game while dangerous contact needs to be dealt with quickly. Cunningham’s comments have underscored an issue that many fans, coaches and players feel the league needs to seriously address moving forward.
Yashpal Singh brings readers closer to the action with coverage of sports news, game updates, athlete stories, team developments, and major moments from the field. From local matchups to broader sports headlines, his reporting focuses on the stories fans care about most.