Former WNBA All-Star Katie Douglas has voiced support for congressional efforts to address player safety concerns surrounding Caitlin Clark, stating the Indiana Fever star often plays with a "target" on her back. Her comments come as a group of Republican lawmakers sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert calling for improved player safety and an explanation of how the league is addressing the alleged "hostility and violence" Clark has faced.
Douglas described the lawmakers' involvement as "helpful" in bringing awareness to the sport and advocating for fairness. "I think any time you have lawmakers now using their voice and using their platform, I think it is helpful just to bring continued awareness," Douglas said during an appearance on "Fox News Live." She emphasized that what is being sought is consistent officiating and fair application of standards across all players.
The congressional letter, which praised Clark for her impact on women's sports, detailed incidents such as hip-checks, eye pokes, and throat strikes, arguing these go "far beyond routine physical play." The lawmakers also noted reports suggesting some incidents might be racially motivated. The Indiana Fever organization, however, stated that neither the team nor Clark had any interaction with the congressional group and were unaware of the letter.
A source familiar with the WNBA told Fox News Digital that player safety, including Clark's, is the league's "top priority." The league has reportedly established an "Officiating Task Force" to better regulate game physicality, which they claim has led to an increase in fouls called this season. Additionally, the WNBA has invested in security upgrades and launched a "No Space for Hate" platform.
Douglas acknowledged the difficulty of officiating in real-time but stressed the need for change given the visible "physicality" of plays directed at Clark. She suggested that if Clark indeed has a "target" on her, the league must improve its consistency in officiating. The league has been working to improve player safety and officiating standards amid growing scrutiny. 
