Rough Play or Intentional Fouls – The Caitlin Clark Effect

Rising Media Coverage and Enhanced Travel Conditions

For years, many WNBA players have complained that the mainstream media did not give them the on-air or published stories they deserve. Caitlin Clark arrives on the scene and there is more coverage on the WNBA than ever before. She’s already played a significant role in improving the league’s travel experience.  For the first time in league history, all WNBA teams now travel on charter flights for games, a significant step up from commercial airlines and the WNBA’s investment of $25 million over the next two years to ensure that players will avoid the hassles of TSA and airport issues. 

The Foul

Since Saturday’s Chicago vs Indiana game and Chennedy Carter’s flagrant foul against Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has been a constant topic 24/7 across all news, talk shows, and sports outlets. Should the WNBA do a better job of protecting Caitlin Clark or is this, as some WNBA players say, just a part of the rough play in the league? 

Intentional fouls in women’s basketball, just like in any sport, should be addressed appropriately by officials and leagues. While they are part of the game and can sometimes be strategic, intentional fouls that are excessively aggressive or dangerous should not be condoned or ignored.

Clark’s Spotlight

Caitlin recently shared that she has taken some tough hits since the season began, and she expects to in the league, however, Carter showed no remorse for the hit and was determined to avoid any Clark questions post-game. Later that night, she chose to post a less-than-professional comment about it on her Thread feed. This is not the first time Carter has been called out for unintentionally rough play in the league, but let’s face it, Clark is in the spotlight, and what happens to her or around her will make headlines. Several NBA players also took to social media to denounce Clark’s hit and tell the league to show some respect.

Today, Chicago Sky’s head coach Teresa Weatherspoon put out an official statement calling the foul an “intentional and unnecessary hard hit and vowing to learn from the situation.” 

WNBA’s Role:

Player safety should always be a top priority, regardless of gender, and intentional fouls that pose a risk of injury or are clearly unsportsmanlike should be penalized accordingly. Additionally, promoting fair play and good sportsmanship is important for the integrity and enjoyment of the game, so intentional fouls that are solely meant to disrupt the flow of the game without any legitimate attempt to play defense or gain possession should also be discouraged.

The league has been under fire for physical play, especially as it relates to Clark, the top pick in the 2024 draft. Clark has previously told reporters “I feel like I’m getting hammered” and Fever coach Christie Sides, along with general manager Lin Dunn, have spoken about what they feel are lack of foul calls.

The Future

Caitlin Clark is a generational talent and has brought the WNBA into the limelight. It’s not easy being a change agent and yet, how much will she be able to take over time?  I, for one, hope her teammates do a better job of protecting and defending her in future games.  And, the WNBA can learn from this by providing clearer and more detailed guidelines on what constitutes a flagrant foul to players, coaches, and referees to ensure everyone is on the same page.