NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that issues surrounding WNBA star Caitlin Clark are more than just officiating, calling her a ‘political football’ in the country. Clark, who has been a big draw for ticket sales and television ratings since entering the league in 2024, has faced physical defense from opposing teams, with fouls often not being called.

Incident Sparks Wider Conversation

A recent incident involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who put a closed fist into Clark’s neck during a game, sparked a wider conversation about player safety and online behavior. Thomas was issued a retroactive flagrant foul, a one-game suspension, and a $1,000 fine. She and her family received death threats, harassment, and racist abuse after the incident.

Silver declined to comment on a report that he leaned on WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Thomas. He emphasized that the issue is not about whether a foul should have been called at the time of the game but rather about the unfair treatment of Clark. Silver also acknowledged that WNBA officiating needs to improve.

Clark condemned the harassment and hate she received, stating that it is not acceptable. Fever coach Stephanie White also condemned the tone of the discussion, saying the league has seen an increase in ‘toxicity, racism, homophobia’ and other hateful comments, particularly online.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said that the vitriol and harassment players receive are unacceptable and that the league is working to address these issues. The league has initiated efforts to improve officiating, including a committee of players, college coaches, general managers, and officials, as well as a task force to examine on-court physicality.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.