Additional Coverage:
- WNBA accused of ‘driving into wall at full speed’ after Caitlin Clark has fist put to throat (themirror.com)
The WNBA is facing sharp criticism over its treatment of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who recently endured a disturbing on-court incident and was notably excluded from the league’s 30-year anniversary poster.
Clark, 24, has rapidly emerged as one of the WNBA’s brightest and most marketable talents, significantly boosting TV ratings, arena attendance, and sponsorship opportunities. Yet, many feel the league has mishandled her rise to stardom. This sentiment dates back to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Clark was controversially left off Team USA’s roster-a decision widely viewed as a misstep, despite the team ultimately winning gold.
Tensions escalated recently when Fever rival Alyssa Thomas physically confronted Clark, putting a fist to her throat during a game. Thomas received only a one-game suspension for the incident, a penalty many fans and Fever head coach Stephanie White deemed insufficient given the severity of the contact.
Adding fuel to the fire, the WNBA’s 30-year commemorative poster excluded Clark, opting instead to feature players Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Angel Reese, a longtime rival of Clark’s. This omission sparked outrage among fans and commentators alike.
FOX Sports radio host Colin Cowherd did not hold back in his critique, accusing the league of repeatedly “driving into a brick wall at full speed” when it comes to Clark’s treatment. Cowherd highlighted Clark’s immense popularity, noting that her road games were moved to larger venues to accommodate growing fan interest and that her TV ratings recently doubled those of A’ja Wilson, a multiple-time MVP and champion.
Cowherd also directed pointed remarks at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, comparing her leadership unfavorably to that of other major sports commissioners like NFL’s Roger Goodell, NBA’s Adam Silver, and MLB’s Rob Manfred. He questioned the league’s lack of promotion for Clark, its physical style of officiating, and its apparent failure to protect and showcase its star players.
“The officiating’s awful and way too physical,” Cowherd said, criticizing the league’s handling of player safety and game management. “Last night, Caitlin Clark had a hand to her throat, and nothing was called.”
As Caitlin Clark continues to shine on the court, the WNBA faces mounting pressure to better support and elevate its rising star rather than alienate her-especially as fans watch closely and expect the league to match her impact with recognition and respect.