A group of U.S. lawmakers came together to call out the WNBA over their treatment of Caitlin Clark.
"Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence," the lawmakers wrote in a letter led by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee
"Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games," the letter stated. "These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable."
But it's not just U.S. lawmakers calling out the WNBA.
© Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images.
Multiple Olympians are calling out the WNBA.
Several different Olympians call out the WNBA
"The WNBA needs the courage to act decisively for athlete safety. Caitlin Clark is a generational superstar, but she deserves the same protection as every player," Nancy Hogshead, a three-time gold medalist swimmer for the U.S., told Fox News Digital.
"The WNBA cannot continue to allow any dangerous conduct to go unchecked. A fist pressed against a player's throat is never 'just part of the game.' It's wildly unacceptable. WNBA: Enforce your rules, hold offenders accountable, and put athlete safety first."
Anthony Watson, a Jamaican skeleton athlete, ripped the WNBA, as well.
"The league had passionate fans before she arrived, but her impact expanded the audience in a way that’s hard to ignore. That’s what transcendent athletes do for their generation, they elevate the sport. Every era has someone willing to push the standard higher, and that’s how sports grow.
"Her legacy is already taking shape. The challenge now isn’t proving if she belongs because she has already shown that. It’s continuing to perform at an elite level while the league does its part to protect its players and let the competition, not the controversy, be the headline story."
Inga Thompson, U.S. women's cyclist, added comments as well.
"I noticed that after the letter was sent by members of Congress, news media called out the 11th best player vote by fellow players, criticism of the officiating. The last game changed from gutter/thug ball to professional ball. I hope Caitlin is finally going to be recognized as a passionate athlete and a generational player. Celebrate her, her awesome teammates, and the WNBA. All should thrive, instead of this ripping apart everything to its demise," Thompson told Fox News Digital.
The WNBA is facing continued pressure, that's clear.
