It's clear by now that Indiana Fever star and No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark has a target on her back. However, the nasty trend of WNBA players being overly physical with her is beginning to get out of hand, and it will only hurt the league if it continues.
During the Fever's 71-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday, Clark absorbed an unnecessary cheap shot from guard Chennedy Carter while attempting to accept a simple inbounds pass.
Chennedy Carter bumped Caitlin Clark for an away from the play foul
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 1, 2024
"That's not a basketball play," Clark told ESPN on the broadcast. pic.twitter.com/udTMmWFVyn
Clark, who isn't bashful, was seen jawing with Carter during the previous possession. That doesn't excuse her actions, but it might explain them.
Carter refused to comment on the situation after the game.
"I ain't answering no Caitlin Clark questions," Carter told Fever beat writer Scott Agness.
When pressed on the matter, Carter's head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, stepped in and ended the discussion, saying, "That's enough — we're good."
Clark persevered, ending the game with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. However, while continuing to put on a brave face, Clark recently hinted that the harsh treatment might be getting to her.
As expected for a hyped-up rookie in Clark's position, she's been the victim of several hard fouls during her short time in the WNBA. But whistles have been silent for most of them, and the incident with Carter, which may have drawn an ejection from the game for anyone else, could start a dangerous precedent.
As long as officials continue to let questionable contact go against Clark, other players will be emboldened to follow suit. This wouldn't be a good look for the WNBA, which is finally getting the attention it deserves, largely thanks to Clark's arrival.
Not only has she already lived up to expectations on the court, becoming only the third player in league history to reach 150 points, 50 rebounds and 50 assists over their first 10 games. But she's also significantly impacting the number of eyes on the league.
Multiple WNBA games have exceeded a million viewers this season after roughly 16 years without accomplishing the feat. Meanwhile, following another Fever sellout on Saturday, the team surpassed last year's attendance in just five games.
With many getting their first taste of the WNBA, it's a crucial time for the league. Sooner rather than later, it needs to decide what kind of product it wants to present: the skill and star power of women's players or routine bullying without consequence.
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