WNBA Faces Mounting Criticism Over Caitlin Clark's Treatment
WNBA Faces Mounting Criticism Over Caitlin Clark's Treatment originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After another game where Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was at the receiving end of a hard foul, many fans are calling on the WNBA to do a better job of protecting its star player.
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Clark was knocked to the ground by Sun guard Marina Mabrey in the third quarter of Tuesday's game, leading to some tense moments between the teams. The sequence started when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon raked Clark across the face while guarding her, leading Clark to shove her away before Mabrey jumped in.
Many fans were angered that Clark ended up with a technical foul from the scuffle.
"LMAOOOO Caitlin quite literally did nothing wrong," one fan shared on X. "The league wants to take her out for no reason. Disgusting"
Others saw Tuesday's incident as part of a larger trend of the WNBA failing to protect its star player, who has helped rapidly expand the sport since coming into the league last season.
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"For those that DO NOT think the WNBA is AGAINST Caitlin Clark, here is proof," wrote another fan. "After getting fouled for three full secs & then hit in eye, player knocks her down HARD after all was stopped. NO EJECTION after every announcer said no chance not ejected. Crazy to not embrace her like golf did Tiger Woods."
Some critics pointed out that these discussions have been going on for two seasons, noting the controversy that arose last July after Chicago Sky player Chennedy Carter's hard foul on Clark.
"Its always been protect the women in the WNBA and their mental health until it's time to pick on the hooper from Iowa," another wrote. "You don't really care about these players if you enjoy one player being attacked and injured. Everything is just performative and it makes you look hypocritical."
Related: Indiana Fever Under Fire for Treatment of Caitlin Clark
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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