Caitlin Clark calls for better officiating and player safety after throat foul
WNBA star Caitlin Clark said the contact by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was a flagrant foul and urged the league to improve refereeing and protect players, while also condemning harassment directed at both athletes.
WNBA forward Caitlin Clark broke her week-long silence on Friday, describing the throat contact by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas as a flagrant foul and saying the league must improve officiating and player safety. Clark told reporters, "First of all, I know what you’re going to ask, and I did think it was a flagrant foul. Our reffing just needs to be better," and added that referees face a difficult job.
She emphasized that the league "has to do better protecting our players" and asserted that the incident was "straight forward" when viewed on video. Clark also condemned the harassment and hate directed at both players, stating, "The harassment and the hate. None of that is ok."
The WNBA commissioner also addressed the issue, while Clark expressed gratitude for the support she receives from her organization. She criticized media coverage that she felt mischaracterized her experience, noting that she prefers to stay off social media and focus on positivity.
Clark concluded by urging a return to "more smiling and positivity" for the benefit of the league and its fans.