Caitlin Clark Calls for WNBA Reform After Harassment Over Foul

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark condemned the online harassment that followed Alyssa Thomas's flagrant 2 foul, in which Thomas drove a fist into Clark’s throat during a June 24 game. The incident led to a one‑game suspension for Thomas, who later reported receiving death threats. Clark said the foul should have been called during play and called for the league to improve officiating by hiring full‑time referees, investing in technology and providing better training.

She added, “Harassment, hate—none of that is OK,” and urged the WNBA to protect players from hate and to shift the narrative back to the sport. Clark also expressed sympathy for her teammates and other players, noting that media focus on the controversy detracted from their on‑court achievements, including a 111‑87 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Clark, who is sidelined with a back injury, will miss the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces but said she feels “a lot better.” Despite her absence, the Fever have won their recent matches, and Clark, along with teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, were selected as All‑Star starters. She was also named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for June.