The WNBA's officiating crews are facing scrutiny as a new video appears to show a clear "double standard" with calls made during Saturday's Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game.
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud appeared to bump into a female referee during the regular season game. Cloud, a longtime WNBA veteran, made clear contact with the official. The official appeared to recognize that contact was made, however, no technical foul was issued.
Later in the game, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark made contact with the same official. Clark's contact appeared as accidental as Cloud's, if not more so. However, this time, a technical foul was called.
"The double standard in the WNBA is insane. Natasha Cloud HITS and GRABS a ref, no technical. That SAME ref gave Caitlin Clark a tech for accidentally bumping into her," fans write.
Fans are quick to notice the double standard, calling it out on social media on Tuesday morning.
"Great video. This is a pretty clear example of a double standard. Still, I trust what I see with my own eyes," one fan wrote.
"This is the biggest problem. If there were competent fair officials, none of this happens," one fan added.
"Double standard is set. If you aren't a part of the "protected class"? Good luck," one fan added.
The WNBA did end up rescinding Clark's technical foul
The WNBA did end up rescinding Clark's technical foul, but the fact that it was called in the first place is a problem.
Bad calls are made from time to time, and there's going to be inconsistencies with officiating - refs are human, too - but when the double standard is apparent and fans are calling it out, that's when you're going to have a problem.
Does the WNBA need to address its apparent officiating double standard?
