The Republican Study Committee (RSC) are urging the WNBA to launch an investigation into what they describe as repeated acts of excessive physical play involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
In a letter sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, RSC Chair Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and ten other Republican co-signers called for “greater accountability,” arguing that Clark has been subjected to repeated incidents that extend beyond normal basketball contact.
The letter cites plays in which Clark was hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat and that the league has not done enough to hold players accountable.
Pfluger also suggested the pattern of incidents could constitute a “hostile work environment,” raising the possibility of investigations by federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The letter follows several highly publicized hard fouls involving Clark this season, including a recent play against the Phoenix Mercury in which she was struck in the throat by Mercury forward, Alyssa Thomas. Thomas, whi was suspended for one game, addressed the issue saying that the struck in the throat was an accident & unintentional with her even received death threats from the incident.
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White also criticized the officiating following the incident, calling out the referees for allowing what she viewed as unnecessary physical play after Clark took a cheap shot during the game.
What are your thoughts? Should the WNBA take further action?
