Despite boasting the fifth best record in the WNBA, the Indiana Fever have found themselves at the center of one of the league’s biggest controversies this season. A heated on-court incident involving Caitlin Clark has dominated headlines, sparked days of debate across television and social media, and ultimately forced the WNBA to step in with disciplinary action.
The play occurred during Indiana’s game against the Phoenix Mercury when Clark dove to the floor in pursuit of a loose ball alongside Alyssa Thomas. As both players wrestled for possession, Thomas’ right fist made forceful contact with Clark’s throat before her leg also appeared to strike Clark as they tumbled to the hardwood.
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Officials allowed play to continue without calling a foul, but the replays quickly went viral, with many arguing the contact went well beyond a normal basketball play, while others believed Thomas was simply trying to regain her balance during a chaotic scramble.
The WNBA later upgraded the play to a Flagrant Foul 2 and suspended Thomas for one game, ruling that she had “recklessly made contact with her fist to the throat area” of Clark. The decision again divided opinion throughout the basketball world, with some praising the league for correcting an obvious missed call, while others, including members of the Mercury organization, felt the punishment was excessive.
Fever star Aliyah Boston finally addressed the incident alongside WNBA legend Candace Parker on Wednesday’s episode of their “Post Moves” podcast.
“That should’ve never been done,” Boston said. “You don’t put your hand on someone’s throat and damn-near kick them on the floor. It’s a basketball game. What are we doing? Obviously that was the right call.”
Clark has attempted to lower the tension surrounding the incident. While she acknowledged she believed the play deserved to be ruled a flagrant foul, she also expressed disappointment that the fallout had overshadowed the league itself.
“I did think it was a flagrant foul,” Clark said. “I think the league’s got to do a better job protecting our players… It’s become such a disservice to our league. Let’s get back to a lot more smiling and positivity.”
Clark also condemned the online abuse directed at Thomas and other players, insisting there is “no place” for harassment in the sport (h/t Tony East of Forbes Sports).
Since then, Indiana has done its talking on the court, responding with convincing victories over the Los Angeles Sparks and Las Vegas Aces. They return to action Wednesday against the Sparks before closing out their season series with the Mercury on Thursday.
