Former NBA doctor warns of serious risks from repeated hard contact to WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark

Former Philadelphia 76ers orthopedic consultant Dr. Nicholas DiNubile warned the Women’s National Basketball Association that rookie star Caitlin Clark faces significant health risks from repeated hard contact on the court. Clark, who is currently sidelined with a back injury, was struck in the throat by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas in her most recent game, a play that was not called as a foul.

"The type of contact and the amount of contact that she gets is concerning to me. It’s troubling to me," DiNubile told Fox News Digital. "You can crush someone’s larynx with very little pressure. Ten to 20 pounds of pressure can damage the throat or larynx area. Even if you don’t fracture the larynx, a blow to that area could cause swelling or bleeding and close the airway, creating a rapid life-or-death situation."

The doctor said similar impacts to the face, eye and head have also been documented, noting that Clark has experienced multiple eye pokes and a ruptured eardrum since her rookie season began in 2024. He emphasized that such incidents increase the risk of concussions and other injuries, especially when a player falls to the floor after a hit.

"She gets a lot to her face. She gets poked in the eye. She gets hit in the face," DiNubile said. "Just getting hit on the head and across the head, you know, head injuries, concussions, any variety of things like that. Then you fall to the floor and anything can happen when you fall to the floor. So, um, just not good and not necessary. I don't think it's necessary."

DiNubile expressed doubt that Clark can protect herself from such contact and urged the league to enforce flagrant foul calls more consistently.

"I don't think there's anything she can do. It's hard to protect yourself with those types of... And that's why they're flagrant fouls, right? There’s no way to really protect yourself in those instances," he said.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement defending Thomas against verbal retaliation but did not comment specifically on Clark’s safety. Indiana Fever coach Stephenie White also addressed broader concerns about online harassment directed at league participants.

"The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league's top priority," Engelbert said. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas' comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community."

The doctor concluded that improved officiating is needed to prevent further dangerous incidents.

"I think they should be calling things. They can officiate better... I mean, how do they miss this?"