Former WNBA star Katie Douglas expressed support for a congressional review of the WNBA’s handling of player safety, particularly in regards to the alleged targeting of Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark. Douglas stated that Clark often plays with a ‘target’ on her back due to her exceptional skills on the court.

Congressional Involvement

A group of Republican lawmakers has called on the WNBA to improve player safety after a series of physical interactions between Clark and opposing players. The lawmakers sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, praising Clark for ‘transforming women’s sports’ and inspiring a new generation of young women and girls.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the repeated acts of physical hostility and violence against Clark, which they believe have gone ‘far beyond routine physical play.’ They also noted that some of the incidents may be racially motivated.

The Indiana Fever released a statement distancing themselves from the congressional letter, stating that they had no interaction with the lawmakers and were unaware of their letter.

League Response

A source familiar with the league told Fox News Digital that player safety is the WNBA’s ‘top priority,’ including Clark’s safety. The league has established an ‘Officiating Task Force’ to better regulate the physicality of play, which has led to an increase in fouls called this season.

The league has also invested in security upgrades both on and off the court, including enhanced security, AI to identify hate online, and launching its ‘No Space for Hate’ platform.

Douglas emphasized the need for the league to apply officiating standards fairly across the board, regardless of the player. She acknowledged that being a sports official is a difficult job but believes that change is necessary due to the visible ‘physicality’ in plays against Clark.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.