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Things got messy during the third quarter of the game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday evening.
Though the Fever won with a final score of 88-71, a physical altercation between Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Connecticut's Jacy Sheldon and Marina Mabrey was one of the main highlights of the game.
During the third quarter, Clark took possession of the ball and dribbled over the three-point line near the free-throw line while Sheldon guarded her closely. Then, Sheldon reached up with her right hand and poked Clark in the eye, causing the Iowa alum to react. Sheldon bumped Clark, and Clark shoved her away. Then, Mabrey pushed Clark to the ground.
There have been many mixed reactions to the altercation between Clark and Mabrey. Christine Brennan, a sports analyst who has been writing a book about Clark's basketball career, posted on X right after the incident, saying, "The WNBA continues to fail to meet the moment. Terrible decision to allow Marina Mabrey to stay in the game. People are watching as never before. And this is what they see?"
Then, Chris Evert, a former tennis player, quote-tweeted Brennan's post, responding with "When will these ladies realize, accept and appreciate @CaitlinClark22 is the best thing that ever happened to women's basketball. This is a bad look for the sport and what's happened to sportsmanship?"
Since Clark joined the WNBA, her debut game on May 14, 2024, against the Sun alone drew 2.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game in 23 years. According to ESPN, Indiana's victory against the New York Liberty last Saturday had an average of 2.2 million viewers with a peak of 2.8 million.
That average was reportedly up 76% over last season's average audience for WNBA games on the channel. So far in 2025, viewership is up 15% year-over-year across the Worldwide Leader's platforms. Ticket sales for games where Clark is expected to play have skyrocketed as well.
When will these ladies realize, accept, and appreciate @CaitlinClark22 is the best thing that ever happened to women's basketball. This is a bad look for the sport and what's happened to sportsmanship? https://t.co/w7v4irE94N
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) June 18, 2025
On Wednesday morning, Brennan quote-tweeted Evert's post and wondered how the commissioner of the WNBA, Cathy Engelbert, would respond to this situation.
"It’s going to be very interesting to see what Cathy Engelbert says today," Brennan wrote. "This is a big moment for the WNBA. We now have data that Clark alone draws more than half the league’s TV audience. Can the W continue to allow her to receive cheap shots like Mabrey’s? We shall see."
It’s going to be very interesting to see what Cathy Engelbert says today. This is a big moment for the WNBA. We now have data that Clark alone draws more than half the league’s TV audience. Can the W continue to allow her to receive cheap shots like Mabrey’s? We shall see. https://t.co/Y5ZRu0CfxF
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) June 18, 2025
Brennan has been very supportive of Clark since her rookie season. Her book about Clark, "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports," will be released on July 8.
More must-reads:
- Kelsey Mitchell may have saved Fever's season with 38-point outing against Sun
- Lynx leave no doubt they're WNBA's best with win over Liberty
- The 'Most multi-HR games by MLB team' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Lynx leave no doubt they're WNBA's best with win over Liberty
Missing perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier for a fourth consecutive game, the Minnesota Lynx didn't blink in Saturday's rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty. Instead, the Lynx affirmed that they're in a class of their own with an 86-80 win just a month before the playoffs begin. Collier remained out after suffering a sprained ankle on Aug. 2 against the Las Vegas Aces. However, her team prevailed in her absence against the Liberty (21-13), who entered Saturday tied with the Atlanta Dream (21-12) for second in the league standings. Guard Courtney Williams led all scorers with 26 points and notched the go-ahead bucket with under two minutes remaining. Guard Kayla McBride had an uncharacteristic off-shooting game, even missing four free throws, but still managed to score 17 points. Meanwhile, forward Jessica Shepard, who has taken on an increased role with Collier sidelined, recorded her third double-double in five games, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Lynx (28-5) have won six in a row. Minnesota is 3-0 against New York, which defeated them in five games, 3-2, to win last year's WNBA championship. Two of those wins against the Liberty have come without Collier, who also missed last Sunday's 83-71 victory. In the one game she was healthy, the Lynx won, 100-93, and Collier scored 30 points. On Friday, Collier's status improved from out to doubtful, a step in the right direction for her eventual return. The Lynx close their season series with the Liberty on Tuesday, followed by a back-to-back at the Dream and Indiana Fever (18-16) on Thursday and Friday. Based on its recent play, Minnesota should be fine regardless of when Collier is reinserted into the starting rotation. The Lynx have been the WNBA's best team all season, and the last two weeks have proven just how good they are.
Milwaukee Brewers: Craig Counsell Blasts Former Team’s 14-Game Winning Streak, Gets Caught Lying
The Milwaukee Brewers saw their 14-game win streak, the longest in franchise history, come to an end on Sunday afternoon in an extra innings loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Milwaukee’s bats, which had been red hot for weeks, suddenly cooled and the taxed bullpen could not close out the game, which the Brewers led in the ninth inning. Now, Milwaukee will look to start a new win streak as they head to Chicago for a five-game series, which will be played in a four-day span, against the Cubs. Of course, the Brewers and Cubs have one of the most intriguing rivalries in the game as Chicago’s manager, Craig Counsell, is the winningest skipper in Milwaukee’s franchise history. But, after the 2022 season, Counsell ditched the Brewers, the team his father worked for and he himself played for Milwaukee for a good portion of his career in order to take the Cubs’ job away from David Ross, who was still the team’s manager when they decided to hire their former rival. Earlier this season, Chicago led Milwaukee in the standings by as many as 6.5 games, but now, thanks to the Brewers’ long run of stellar play, are eight games behind the Brewers in the standings. Chicago Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Doesn’t Think the Milwaukee Brewers Are Doing Anything Great Counsell, who still resides in Whitefish Bay on Milwaukee’s north side, is not much loved anymore by Brewers fans, and he has done little to save face in their eyes with comments he has made about the team since joining their I-94 rivals. He added more fuel to the fire in a recent interview with the Chicago Sun Times, Counsell was asked about his thoughts on the Brewers’ winning streak. “What’s so great about it?” he responded. “They’re playing good. I mean, they’re playing great. They haven’t lost since we played them.” And then, to the bewilderment of many, Counsell claimed that, despite being a Milwaukee native, he had “never seen” a George Webb’s” restaurant. Former Milwaukee Brewers Manager Craig Counsell Flat Out Lied Aside from saying that Milwaukee’s 14-game winning streak was not that great, Counsell flat-out lied about his knowledge of George Webb’s. As fans may recall, he himself was the manager of the Brewers the last time they won 12 games in a row, the needed amount of consecutive wins for fans to be able to claim a free hamburger at the local chain. Local fans and reporters quickly unearthed a story from 2018, the year the Brewers won 12 consecutive games (eight at the end of the regular season and their first four postseason games) in which Counsell talks about the giveaway: “I remember the concept of free hamburgers going back so long, it’s hard to believe that it’s never happened since then.” At this point, it is not hard to determine why Counsell said what he said on Sunday. He is just stoking the fires of what is sure to be a hard-fought five-game series in Chicago.
Green Bay Packers Coach Laments Latest Injury For RB Marshawn Lloyd
Green Bay Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans didn’t hold back his empathy when discussing Marshawn Lloyd, the second-year running back who can’t seem to catch a break. During the Packers’ preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Lloyd sustained yet another setback—a hamstring injury. It’s just the latest chapter in what has been an injury-plagued NFL career for the 2024 third-round pick. “It’s just unfortunate,” Sirmans said, expressing both frustration and optimism. “You’re very supportive of him, and that’s why you just talk to him about, ‘You’ve just got to keep pressing ahead.’” Despite the challenges, the Packers coaching staff remains committed to Lloyd, believing in his potential and his work ethic. Green Bay Packers Marshawn Lloyd: Another Injury Marshawn Lloyd’s hamstring injury happened during a promising moment against the Colts—a 33-yard reception on a wheel route from quarterback Malik Willis. It was a showcase of his explosive ability, but it quickly turned into another unfortunate end to an outing. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Lloyd’s hamstring strain, stating that the running back would “miss some time” but refrained from offering a timeline for his return. This preseason mishap comes just weeks after Lloyd sustained a groin injury during the first padded practice of training camp. It’s a frustrating déjà vu for Lloyd, who has spent much of his short NFL career battling one physical setback after another. Lloyd’s Injury History Lloyd’s struggles began before his rookie season even kicked off. After being drafted in 2024, he started training camp on the non-football injury list due to an offseason hip issue. When he finally took the field during the preseason, he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the season opener. Lloyd played his first NFL game in Week 2 against the Colts, but the excitement was short-lived. A high ankle sprain forced him out of the game after just 10 snaps. The Green Bay Packers placed him on injured reserve, and when Lloyd was on the verge of returning, he experienced a new setback—appendicitis that required emergency surgery. That, coupled with his initial hamstring injuries, ended his rookie year before it ever really had a chance to start. This year’s preseason was supposed to be Lloyd’s fresh start, a chance to prove why the Packers invested significant draft capital in him. Instead, the groin and hamstring injuries have brought back many of the same concerns about his durability. Sirmans and LaFleur Stand By Lloyd Despite the challenges, both Sirmans and head coach Matt LaFleur continue to show unwavering support for Lloyd. Sirmans highlighted Lloyd’s flashes of brilliance, praising his ability to create space and make defenders miss. “He’s a guy that you like to get in open space, and sometimes he can create his own space,” Sirmans said. The running back coach pointed to a play against the Colts where Lloyd turned what should have been a 3-yard loss into a 4-yard gain with a clever move in the backfield. Even with his limited playing time, Lloyd has consistently displayed traits that make him an enticing prospect. His quick burst, agility, and potential as a dual-threat back are the reasons the Packers continue to believe that his bad luck will turn around. LaFleur echoed Sirmans’ faith in Lloyd, calling him an “explosive player” and emphasizing his work ethic. Looking Forward The Packers have taken steps to manage Lloyd’s recurring injuries. Last offseason, they sent him to the Badger Athletic Performance Center at UW-Madison, hoping to pinpoint issues and create a tailored plan to prevent further setbacks. While these efforts haven’t yet paid off in full, they highlight the organization’s investment in Lloyd’s development. For Lloyd, the road to durability remains as challenging as it is critical. His dynamic playmaking ability has been evident in the glimpses he’s provided, but he’ll need a sustained run of health to solidify his place on the Packers roster. The Green Bay Packers open their regular season on September 7 against the Detroit Lions. Whether Lloyd will be ready for the season remains unclear, but Sirmans put it best when reminding everyone to stay optimistic about the young running back’s future. “Hopefully he can rebound from this and we can get him back at some point,” LaFleur said. “Because he certainly has shown a skill set and playmaking ability.” For now, patience is the name of the game as Lloyd works toward his long-awaited breakout.
The Dolphins May Have a Jaylen Wright Problem
The Dolphins May Have a Jaylen Wright Problem Coming out of the University of Tennessee, Jaylen Wright looked to have all of the tools necessary to be successful in the NFL. Speed, power, hard worker, and athletic. His rookie season didn’t go as planned, though. In April 2024, Miami traded a future 3rd round pick to get a pick in Round 4 to select Wright. He entered the season on the depth chart behind Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. Quickly, though, Mostert fell out of favor with his fumbling problem and sank on the depth chart. But Wright didn’t get many opportunities. Only 68 carries for 249 rushing yards. Many felt he wasn’t utilized enough; now looking back in hindsight, maybe the Dolphins knew something the fans didn’t. It’s 2025 now, training camp is about 4 weeks old, and Wright has yet to stand out, whether in practices or in preseason games. The reports from the training camp practices indicate that he is a non-factor, not making any plays. In the first preseason game against the Chicago Bears, on the opening series with the starters in, he was stuffed three plays in a row at the goalline and was unable to punch it in the endzone. This past Saturday vs the Lions, he had four carries for three yards and a fumble (which Miami did recover). Needless to say, that’s not good. You don’t want to read too much into preseason games, but that is what we have to judge these players on before the regular season, and the results so far aren’t great. And it’s more than just the stats or the training camp reports. Just watch the two preseason games, and it seems there is just a lack of sizzle, so to speak, when the ball is in Wright’s hands. You don’t see a burst, nor any explosiveness. He looks like a JAG (just a guy). On the flip side, Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon is all sizzle. He is all burst. He has shown explosiveness in his running of the football over the past two preseason games. The polar opposite of Jaylen Wright. And, the constant here is that both running backs are running behind the same poor backup offensive linemen. Butch Barry, the Dolphins’ offensive line coach, along with Mike McDaniel, has played the starters very little, and Miami’s lack of depth on the offensive line isn’t great. So neither back has outstanding blocking in front of them. On paper, Jaylen Wright should be hitting his stride in year two and taking on a larger role in this offense. Especially with the news that De’Von Achane will be sidelined for a few days or weeks with a soft tissue injury of some sort. But it’s not happening, and if anything, Ollie Gordon may be passing him on the depth chart really soon. Again, it’s training camp and the preseason, so you don’t want to read too much into things, but right now, if Jaylen Wright were a stock, you would be selling it. Hopefully, he is able to find his game and turn things around, because he is a great kid and has all of the physical talent you want in a player.
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