By Amy Tennery
NEW YORK, July 3 (Reuters) – 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’s fans were left fuming after referees did not call a foul on Phoenix Mercury’s six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas during a June 24 game, where she made contact with Clark’s throat.
The league gave Thomas a one-game suspension for a Flagrant Foul 2 a day later, though Fever coach Stephanie White criticised 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.
“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,” said Clark, speaking to members of the media for the first time in several days.
Clark fuelled unprecedented levels of fresh interest in the women’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.
The WNBA announced a programme 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.
“I turn the TV on Sunday and that game was on Wednesday and that’s all people are still talking about. And I feel like that’s just a real disservice to our league,” said Clark.
“Then for the narrative to be taken other places, it’s just really not acceptable. I think it’s just hard to see.”
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; editing by Clare Fallon)
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