Caitlin Clark’s transcendent popularity has led U.S. lawmakers to investigate the WNBA over how it’s treating the 24-year-old superstar.
Clark has unquestionably made the WNBA one of the most relevant sports leagues in the USA. However, her emergence as a star and the escalating physical play against her have struck a nerve.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is now facing governmental pressure to protect Clark amid the furore emerging over Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas’ Flagrant 2 foul on Clark.
Texas Congressman challenged the WNBA Commissioner over Caitlin Clark
August Pfluger, Congressman for the 11th District of Texas and chairman of the Republican Study Committee, shared a letter co-signed by multiple Congress members that the WNBA has failed to protect Clark from physical play.
“Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games. These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable.”
The letter directly calls out Commissioner Engelbert and threatens potential federal investigations if this matter isn’t satisfactorily resolved.
“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation.”
“If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws.”
Caitlin Clark called on the WNBA to protect its players
After the controversy surrounding the Thomas’ Flagrant 2 foul, Clark called on the WNBA to ‘protect its players,’ a sentiment which clearly sparked lawmakers to notice.
“It’s kind of been a discussion for three years now, and I think we really need to do a better job protecting the people in this league. I’ve been involved in a few of those plays, but there’ve been plenty of others across the league that haven’t been called. You go back postgame, or whatever it is, teams submit clips, and nothing changes. I think overall the league has to do better.”
Clark is averaging 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.9 assists this season for the 12-9 Indiana Fever.
Such interventions might force the WNBA to make changes to protect Clark, but it might be through rule changes that greatly minimize physicality and increase the penalty for harsh play for players across the board.
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