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Caitlin Clark continued to show out in her rookie season, notching 19 points in a win over the Dream on Monday. That said, she received some criticism from WNBA fans after a hard foul on one of her opponents.
During the third quarter of action, Clark was seen taking a swipe at the basketball as guard Jordin Canada attempted a fast break layup. She missed the ball completely, instead making contact with the Dream guard’s head and face.
Canada made her two-point shot, then got an extra attempt from the free throw line on the “And-1” attempt. Caitlin Clark was received a personal foul on the play, but some didn’t view that punishment as harsh enough.
Taking it a step further, some called WNBA referees out for a bias against fellow rookie Angel Reese, who was involved in a similar play earlier in the season.
In that instance, which saw Reese swipe at Clark’s head on a layup attempt, the Chicago Sky forward was given a flagrant foul.
Despite the outcomes, the two plays don’t look all that different!
@radiancespeaks444 Notice a difference? Let me help you one was flagrant & one was a common foul. 🤔 #wnba #caitlinclark #angelreese #foryou #explore ♬ Big Dawgs – Hanumankind & Kalmi
In Angel Reese’s case, the play was reviewed and later upgraded to a flagrant due to “unnecessary and excessive contact.”
Caitlin Clark only got a common foul. Apparently, it wasn’t excessive enough!
Former WNBA player Val Whiting commented on the play via the X platform (formerly Twitter), joking about the plays on social media.
Didn’t Angel Reese get on CNN for this “aSsAuLt”? Just kidding yall. I couldn’t resist. I’m immature and will grow up soon. But not today…
-Val Whiting / X: @iamcoachval
Reese’s foul on Clark did hit mainstream media outlets, one of which included CNN. The network’s analysis of the block attempt infuriated a number of the sport’s viewers.
Reese simply called the foul a “basketball play,” disagreeing with the flagrant tag.
After seeing Caitlin Clark’s most recent swipe, she might have a point!