Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, a collegiate standout, and the league’s top draft pick, is going to have a difficult time adjusting to life in the WNBA. During her most recent game against the Chicago Sky, her opponents pulled off several dirty plays that infuriated her supporters and left them questioning if it was intentional.
@benlikessports Standing up celebrating is NASTY work man🤷‍♂️
Throughout a tough 71-70 win against the Sky, Clark was the target of several heated exchanges. During an inbound play at the end of the third quarter, Chennedy Carter of Chicago gave Clark a completely obvious shove. The Sky bench seemed to celebrate Carter’s move, which angered fans and made them think there might be more to the story.
Following the game, Carter refused to address the incident, stating, “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions. I don’t know what she said. I didn’t say anything.” Video evidence seems to contradict this denial, capturing Carter mouthing a derogatory term (b*tch) towards Clark before the shove.
Was it a flop?
Clark, visibly shaken but composed, expressed her frustration during a post-game interview. “That’s not just a basketball play,” she stated. Fans are divided. Many believe the opposing players’ actions were unacceptable, especially considering Clark’s status as a rookie.
Others question whether Clark’s teammates should have intervened in her defense. While some fans believe Clark might have exaggerated the contact (flopped) to draw fouls.
What happened before the intentional foul?
Right before the incident, Caitlin Clark poked the ball away from Chennedy Carter leading to a bucket. Clark’s elbow seemed to connect with Carter. As Clark turned, she celebrated directly in front of Carter’s face.
A Rising Star and the WNBA’s Future
Clark’s arrival has undeniably boosted the WNBA’s profile, attracting new fans to the league. Clark is a super talented player who dominated in college, winning a bunch of awards. However, the recent string of incidents raises concerns. While rookies often experience heightened physicality, the targeting of Clark seems excessive.
Every game appears to feature a direct attack on the young star. In the fourth quarter, another Sky player, Angel Reese, went to box out Clark for a rebound. Her arm seemed to hit Clark in the chest. Reese then stared down Clark. While some fans believe Clark flopped, others suspect a pattern.
Is there more to the story?
Netizens have speculated that Clark’s ethnicity might be a factor, attributing the alleged “cheap shots” to jealousy. They point out the increased attention the WNBA has received since Clark’s arrival, including the league’s increase in ticket sales and recent upgrade to chartered flights for away games.
The timing of this upgrade arguably came about due to both Clark’s impact and another incident – WNBA star Brittney Griner being harassed at an airport. Some fans believe this situation might be why other players are targeting Clark, suggesting jealousy over the increased attention she’s receiving from fans and the league.
It’s important to note that similar “welcome wagon” moments occur in the NBA, where rookies often face challenges from established players. A well-known example is LeBron James’ interaction with rookie Nico Mannion during a Lakers-Warriors game in 2021.
Whether these plays were malicious or simply aggressive remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark is a force to be reckoned with, and her impact on the league is undeniable. The WNBA needs to address this issue before it overshadows Clark’s talent and the positive impact she’s having on the sport.
Who is Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s first overall draft pick, is already a household name in women’s college basketball. During her collegiate career, she shattered records:
- NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer
- Two National Player of the Year awards
Clark hails from Des Moines, Iowa, and is of white ethnicity. This young star’s talent and marketability have undeniably injected a dose of excitement into the WNBA.
