Rep. Tim Burchett criticizes WNBA after flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark
Republican Representative Tim Burchett said the WNBA is treating star guard Caitlin Clark poorly after a flagrant foul by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas resulted in a suspension.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas shoved point guard Caitlin Clark in the neck and stepped over her, a play that was later reviewed and classified as a Flagrant 2, earning Thomas a one-game suspension. The incident drew criticism from Republican Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who said Clark was receiving "thug treatment" in the league and described the situation as "pathetic."
"I think it's trashy. She gets the crap kicked out of her. The WNBA has an opportunity for women to take it to the next level, and she's being just abused... It is supposed to be a physical game — it's not supposed be a wrestling match," Burchett told a sports outlet.
Burchett also questioned why Clark was absent from a promotional poster marking the WNBA's 30th anniversary, noting her games have driven record attendance and viewership. He speculated that a European league might sign her, predicting she would leave the WNBA under a lower-cost arrangement.
The Mercury posted a cartoon on social media that appeared to mock the incident, featuring a player on the floor with a caption referencing teammate DeWanna Bonner.