Caitlin Clark urges better player protection and calls for an end to harassment after flagrant foul incident

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark spoke to reporters on Friday, July 3, about the fallout from a flagrant-2 foul committed by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas on June 24. The foul, which was not called during the game, led to a one-game suspension and a fine after a league review, with the WNBA describing the contact as "recklessly" made and a "non-basketball act."

"The league's just got to do better, protecting our players in that regard," Clark said, acknowledging the challenges faced by officials. She called for increased investment in officiating, better technology, and full-time compensation for referees.

Clark also condemned the threats and harassment directed at Thomas and her teammates, stating that such behavior is unacceptable for any player, coach or fan.

"The harassment, the hate, none of that is OK," she said. "There should never be question of character."

She described the personal impact of media and online narratives, noting that she is often portrayed as lacking emotion.

"A lot of people sometimes think I'm a robot. I'm not a robot. I have emotions, I have feelings," Clark explained, adding that the constant scrutiny can be difficult for a 24-year-old athlete.

Clark expressed frustration that the incident dominated coverage, detracting from other games and the league's talent.

"There are so many amazing players performing at a high level, and the focus on this one incident overshadows that," she said, urging the sport to shift the narrative toward the joy of the game.

She will miss Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces due to a back injury and criticized a headline that framed the season as “full of frustration” for her and the Fever, urging discussion to center on on-court performance.

"No one ever asked me that. Discuss my play, discuss if I played well or poorly, but let's continue to move on and focus on the positive aspects of the game," Clark concluded.