Teammate Defends Caitlin Clark Amid WNBA Ref Controversy

WHO:

Fox News - Lisa Leslie stated, "I was actually watching this game, and I was like, 'Oh, wow — that was a bit much.'"

Fox News - Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark were involved in an incident during a game.

Fox News - Nate Tibbetts, head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, criticized Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White for her comments regarding Alyssa Thomas.

Fox News - Lisa Leslie, a WNBA great, commented on the officiating consistency regarding the incident between Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark.

Daily Mail Sports - Caitlin Clark, Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury, WNBA referees, Iowa senator

WHAT:

Fox News - Alyssa Thomas was suspended for one game following the incident with Caitlin Clark.

Fox News - The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever 111-109 in a game where Caitlin Clark was struck in the throat by Alyssa Thomas.

Fox News - Lisa Leslie stated that the officials should have caught the incident between Thomas and Clark during the game, saying, "In this particular situation, I thought that the last official should have been able to catch that."

Daily Mail Sports - Caitlin Clark was struck in the throat by Alyssa Thomas during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.

Daily Mail Sports - The WNBA banned Alyssa Thomas for one game following the incident.

Pro Football Network - An Iowa senator criticized the WNBA referees for their treatment of Caitlin Clark, stating she deserves fair and consistent officiating.

WHERE:

Fox News - The incident occurred during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Daily Mail Sports - The incident occurred during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.

WHY:

Pro Football Network - The Iowa senator's comments were motivated by a belief that Caitlin Clark is being treated unfairly by WNBA referees.

HOW:

Fox News - Lisa Leslie emphasized the need for better officiating, stating, "the league has got to do better, the officials have got to do better, but also players — players have to clean it up."

Fox News - Lisa Leslie stated that the officials should have caught the incident during the game and emphasized the need for better officiating, saying, "the league has got to do better, the officials have got to do better, but also players — players have to clean it up."

Fox News - Leslie suggested that Thomas might have faced a less severe punishment had she reacted differently after the incident and apologized to Clark.

Daily Mail Sports - Alyssa Thomas struck Caitlin Clark while she was down on the floor during the game.

Alyssa Thomas has been suspended for one game following an incident with Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Lisa Leslie, who was watching the game, remarked that the situation was excessive and called for improved officiating, emphasizing that both the league and the players need to step up their game. She stated, "the league has got to do better, the officials have got to do better, but also players — players have to clean it up."