Caitlin Clark denounces harassment and vows to return after injury

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark spoke on Friday to denounce the harassment and hate she, her teammates and other WNBA players have faced online. \"The harassment, the hate. None of that is OK,\" the two-time All-Star said, adding that such attacks should never be directed at a player's character. \"I don’t want anyone to experience that.\"

Clark’s comments came amid a series of threats and slurs aimed at league members, including former Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who reported death threats after a recent on-court incident. Fever coach Stephanie White described the broader climate as increasingly toxic, citing racism, homophobia and other hateful behavior as \"absolutely unacceptable.\"

The player also expressed frustration that the incident dominated media coverage, saying it detracted from other aspects of the league. \"When I turned the TV on Sunday, that game was on Wednesday and that’s all people were talking about. I feel like that’s a disservice to the rest of our league,\" she said.

The WNBA has responded with measures to curb online abuse, including artificial-intelligence tools to detect threats and expanded confidential mental-health resources. The players’ union circulated a letter urging members to report any threatening communications, emphasizing that safety for players and their families is a top priority.

Clark will remain on the sidelines for the Fever’s upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces as she continues rehabilitation for a back injury sustained in the June 22 matchup with the Mercury. She attended Friday’s practice, reported feeling better and expressed optimism about returning soon.