No matter what Caitlin Clark says to the media, it's evident that she just can't please everyone.
Back on June 24, Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas hit Clark in the throat during the team's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever. After the league reviewed this incident, Thomas was assessed a one-game suspension. The All-Star forward revealed this week that she's been dealing with death threats ever since that game.
“I’m crazy, you know, the playing the game, being suspended, just the whole narrative that’s being painted out there. It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball. A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after, you know, the game,” Thomas said Tuesday. “And, you know, now we’re being painted as thugs, and there’s death threats out on us. So it’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league.”
Now let's fast forward to this Friday, where Clark addressed her incident with Thomas. She started off her long-winded speech by discussing the controversial foul that started this whole debacle.
"I did think it was a flagrant foul and our reffing just needs to be better. It's tough. Obviously, the refs are in a really difficult spot. It's one of the hardest jobs in the world, in my opinion. So, I think, for us, the league's just got to do better protecting our players."
Clark then made it clear that she condemns the harassment and hateful messages that Thomas is dealing with online.
"The harassment, the hate, none of that is OK. That goes for the opposing team we play. That goes for my teammates. That goes for my coaches. There should never be question of character," Clark said. "None of that is OK, and I don't want anybody to ever experience that."
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
Did Caitlin handle this the right way?
As you'd imagine, Clark's comments on Friday sparked quite the debate on social media.
Although it sounded like Clark said all the right things, some WNBA fans believe her message came way too late.
"Once again, bare minimum and very late," one person complained. "Wow she says the hate and the racism is disturbing we already know that! I'm sorry it's hard for her and yes players need protected however the harm is being down because the proximity to her is valued more from her fans!"
"Typical Caitlin. Says absolutely nothing and always 12 days too late," a second person wrote. "Get her outta here"
"What took her so long?" another person asked. "I understand she wants to limit social media, but what kept her from congrats to NY for Commissioner's Cup, comments on amazing 4 OT game that was all over media. CC needs to own her leadership more."
Of course, not every single person was frustrated by Clark's remarks. There were plenty of fans who thought she handled this situation as well as she could.
"This is how it’s done! Call BS point-blank and simple: condemn the clear, dangerous foul that started the whole mess in the first place, while also condemning the threats and hate Alyssa Thomas is receiving because that is clearly not okay either," one fan said
"This is truly what sets Caitlin apart from the rest," a second social media user wrote. "She doesn’t play victim. She keeps supporting the league and colleagues even while they pile on her. The players don’t even realize it, but everything she says and does shapes the future of this league. They should be thankful."
"I appreciate hearing from Caitlin," another person commented. "This is probably the most vulnerable I've seen her, and, of course, we have seen some other vulnerable moments this season--but she really put her thoughts and feelings out there here. Respect."
It's worth noting that Indiana and Phoenix are set to square off on July 9. We're certainly hoping there isn't another controversial incident when these two teams meet again.
