Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham has publicly criticized the WNBA and its officiating crew following an incident where star player Caitlin Clark was struck in the throat by an opponent. The play occurred during a recent game against the Phoenix Mercury, involving Alyssa Thomas.
Clark was driving to the basket when she fell to the floor under pressure from multiple defenders. While she was down, Thomas made contact with her neck. The referees did not immediately call a foul, and the Fever team was reportedly unaware of the exact nature of the contact during the game. Thomas was subsequently suspended by the WNBA for one game.
Cunningham, speaking on her podcast, expressed frustration with the league's handling of the situation. "Unfortunately, this type of s*** happens every single game to her and the league and the refs do absolutely nothing about it," Cunningham stated. She added that opponents appear to be targeting Clark, and the league is not providing adequate protection.
"You see the videos of literally kneeing and cheap-shotting C in the throat - like, if she did that to any of our teammates we would be p***ed," Cunningham said. "But they are definitely targeting her and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her."
Adding to the criticism, Cunningham's podcast co-host, West Wilson, suggested that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert might be exhibiting jealousy towards Clark's popularity, which he claims is overshadowing the league's established profile. "I don't want to get in beef with Cathy but it is like she is jealous of her, or thinks that because she is a bigger face than the WNBA has had, she won't give her the platform," Wilson commented.
Separately, Clark sustained a back injury during the same game and is expected to miss the upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks. Indiana coach Stephanie White confirmed that Clark is recovering and that the team hopes she will be healthy for the following week, which includes a seven-day break for the Fever.
White emphasized the importance of Clark's long-term health. "She's OK. She's going to be out on Saturday. She's doing all right," White said. "Obviously, it's a good time as we have all week next week. Take this opportunity to get her treatment, get her healthy and get her back on the floor and see what happens. Long-term health and wellness is the most important thing."
Clark has a history of injuries, having played only 13 games last season due to various ailments. She is currently averaging 21.2 points per game this season. The incident and her subsequent injury highlight ongoing concerns about player safety and the WNBA's protective measures for its high-profile athletes.