An Indiana lawmaker wants answers from the WNBA about why Caitlin Clark is seemingly treated much differently than her peers.
On the court, Clark has fallen victim to numerous hard fouls and boastful trash talk while being the clear face of the league.
That prompted members of Congress to write a letter to WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert demanding accountability and answers regarding Clark’s treatment.
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The letter said “the face of your league” is subject to “repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.”
Marlin Stutzman (R-Indiana) said Alyssa Thomas’ fist to Clark’s throat was his tipping point to be a part of the letter.
“For me, the fact the way the WNBA handled it with a one-game suspension, it was such a blatant foul… and the fact that, last night they strategically sacked, Caitlin Clark, at the game against the [Phoenix] Mercury again, just to me is like, we’re leaving an amazing talent on the bench because we’re afraid of what could happen on the court,” Stutzman told Outkick’s Dan Dakich on “Don’t @ Me.”
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“I think all she has to do is respond to the letter, and make it an open letter and say, ‘You know what? We’re hearing you guys loud and clear. We appreciate your attention to, you know, the league and what’s happening on the court. We’re going to take every action needed, whether it’s with our referees, whether it’s with our coaches and the players. And be sure that we run our league professionally. But also, where it’s still very competitive on the court,'” he continued.
The letter said Engelbert has a responsibility to ensure every player competes “in a safe and professional environment.”
“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation,” the lawmakers wrote. “If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws.”
The letter concluded by urging the league to take stronger action.
“The league has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue athletics, but that opportunity is undermined when its brightest stars are not adequately protected,” the letter reads. “Your fans deserve better, and so do the young girls who look to the WNBA as a model for excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity.”
Clark recently went after the WNBA, saying it needs to do a better job of protecting its players both on and off the court.
OutKick’s Amber Harding contributed to this report.
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