Sports

Caitlin Clark Hypocritically Condemns WNBA Flopping While Being Part Of The Problem

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USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect


The Indiana Fever lost a close basketball game to the Dallas Wings on Saturday. Caitlin Clark did not approve of her opponents’ antics.

The star guard called out WNBA flopping despite being a part of an issue she’s helped create. Her response came off as sour grapes after landing on the wrong side of the call.

Caitlin Clark condemns flopping.

The WNBA opened its 2026 season over the weekend. Clark took on Paige Bueckers in a star-studded showdown. Every possession was critical in what would be a three-point Dallas win.

The Wings used a late second quarter run to build a 60-51 lead at halftime. They’d then hold off an Indiana push to improve to 1-0.

Clark committed three offensive fouls during the matchup. It can be attributed to an admittedly aggressive effort to get the ball into the paint. She also believes flops played a role.

That may or may not be the case. Here is her first foul of the game in the first quarter.

There was little force behind the contact, though she did extend her arms. It was a flop, and one that got the whistle.

Later in the game, she’d land another foul as the result of an acting performance. While driving to the basket in the fourth quarter, she put her shoulder into defender Aziaha James.

James dramatically tumbled.

A frustrated Clark pled her case to officials. “(They’ve been) flopping all f— day,” she’s seen saying.

Flop or not, the play resulted in a turnover. It was crucial stop for the Wings during a game in which every point mattered.

Clark has no room to talk.

She’s been one of the league’s habitual offenders when it comes to flopping. It’s something that’s been seen since her days at Iowa, and one that’s led to criticism from both family and fans.

Viewers have become very tired of the dramatics. Even her dad’s called her out for constantly whining to refs for calls.

Clark has been vocal on officiating across her first two WNBA seasons. That continued after this season opening loss. She believes referees have been inconsistent.

Flopping is one of her biggest complaints – at least when she’s on the wrong end of the call. She, however, has used it to her advantage on numerous occasions.

To stop the issue, she might have to look in the mirror and adjust her own style of play moving forward.