Getty Image
Indiana Fever players have caught some heat this season for not protecting rookie Caitlin Clark. The No. 1 pick in the most recent WNBA Draft has been the target of some physical play, some of which has come within the rules of the game and some that has not.
On Wednesday, Kelsey Mitchell responded to that criticism. She says it’s the team’s job to make sure Caitlin Clark stays safe.
Indiana finds itself in the middle of a four-day break after playing three games over a four-day span last weekend. A number of players not named Caitlin Clark started that pause with a boat trip on the lake to celebrate Grace Berger’s birthday.
Now, though, the team is back on the floor, prepping for a Friday matchup against the Mystics.
After Wednesday’s practice session concluded, players were made available for media interviews. Kelsey Mitchell was asked the question that many have wanted answered.
Why aren’t Fever teammates doing more to protect Caitlin Clark?
This was her response:
“At the end of the day, not only is she human, but she’s a 22-year-old kid… There are certain things that she’s going to experience over time… It’s our job as a team to make sure that she’s covered from a standpoint of feeling mentally and physically safe, obviously… We want her to feel at home all the time.”
Criticism has been laid at the Fever’s feet following an incident involving Chennedy Carter.
After being shoved to the ground by the Chicago Sky foe, Clark’s Indiana teammates were slow to help her to her feet while none seemed to take issue with Carter’s unnecessary antics.
Instead, the game kind of went on as if nothing had happened!
Meanwhile, Angel Reese and other Sky members applauded their teammate’s cheap shot, offering a stark contrast from the two sides.
Kelsey Mitchell says it’s her job to keep Caitlin Clark safe. We’ll see if actions reflect those thoughts should another altercation occur.