Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Caitlin Clark

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark condemned harassment towards players and coaches in the WNBA on Friday, in the midst of a fresh saga over player safety on and off the court that has engulfed the league over several days.Clark&#x27;s fans were left fuming after referees did not call a foul on Phoenix Mercury&#x27;s six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas during a June 24 game, where she made contact with Clark&#x27;s throat. The league gave Thomas a one-game suspension for a Flagrant Foul 2 a day later, though Fever coach Stephanie White criticized the referees for missing the call live, saying that the league was failing to protect a generational talent.The fallout spilled into this week when Thomas said she had been subject to online harassment and threats over the incident.&quot;Harassment, hate, none of that is okay. That goes for the opposing teams we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches,&quot; said Clark, speaking to members of the media for the first time in several days.Clark fueled unprecedented levels of fresh interest in the women&#x27;s game through her record-breaking collegiate career. But the surge of popularity in the WNBA has left many players feeling vulnerable in the growing spotlight.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/5/13/caitlin-clark-the-focus-of-talks-about-race-and-double-standards-in-sports-1543">READ: Caitlin Clark, much like Larry Bird, the focus of talks about race and double standards in sports</a></div>The WNBA announced a program to ensure player safety - both online and in-person - last year, after players complained that racist and sexist abuse had become an unwanted byproduct of the popularity.Clark reiterated calls for officiating to improve in the league but said she regretted how the incident with Thomas and its subsequent fallout had engulfed media coverage. &quot;I turn the TV on Sunday and that game was on Wednesday and that&#x27;s all people are still talking about. And I feel like that&#x27;s just a real disservice to our league,&quot; said Clark.&quot;Then for the narrative to be taken other places, it&#x27;s just really not acceptable. I think it&#x27;s just hard to see.&quot;<div>(Production: Jose Pablo Diaz, Writing: Amy Tennery)</div>

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark condemned harassment towards players and coaches in the WNBA on Friday, in the midst of a fresh saga over player safety on and off the court that has engulfed the league over several days.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark condemned harassment towards players and coaches in the WNBA on Friday, in the midst of a fresh saga over player safety on and off the court that has engulfed the league over several days.

WNBA: Clark condemns 'unacceptable' harassment toward players after Thomas foul

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

WNBA: Clark condemns 'unacceptable' harassment toward players after Thomas foul

Camille B. Naredo,

WNBA: Clark condemns 'unacceptable' harassment toward players after Thomas foul

Published July 04, 2026 09:42 AM PHT

Read More:

basketball

WNBA

Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark

Alyssa Thomas

Connecticut Sun

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.