Key facts
- House Republicans sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert expressing concern for Caitlin Clark's safety.
- The lawmakers cited repeated acts of physical hostility and violence against Clark, including a recent incident where she was struck in the throat.
- The letter requested that the WNBA take action to address these incidents and hold players accountable.
- The lawmakers also suggested government agencies investigate potential discrimination or retaliation creating a hostile work environment.
- The WNBA has not yet issued a statement in response to the letter, which is due by July 24.
House Republicans have formally requested the WNBA take action to protect Caitlin Clark from what they describe as "racially motivated attacks" and "acts of physical hostility and violence." In a letter sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert, 11 members of the House Republican Study Committee expressed concerns over the officiating and player discipline, citing incidents where Clark has been "hip-checked, poked in the eye and struck in the throat."
The lawmakers are seeking answers from the league by July 24, suggesting that government agencies like the Department of Justice should investigate if discrimination or retaliation is contributing to a hostile work environment. This call follows a recent game where Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark's throat; the play was not called a foul during the game but was later upgraded to a flagrant foul by the league, resulting in Thomas's suspension.
Thomas has called the incident an accident and reported receiving death threats, which Clark and her coach, Stephanie White, have condemned. The Indiana Fever, Clark's team, stated they were unaware of the letter prior to its release and reaffirmed their commitment to player safety. The situation highlights the polarizing nature of Clark's presence in the WNBA, with discussions encompassing race, officiating, and the physicality of the game.