The WNBA Has Been Accused Of ‘Failing’ Caitlin Clark

Has the WNBA failed to protect Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark? Some people certainly think so.

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Has the WNBA failed Caitlin Clark up to this point in her career? That seems to be a major discussion point in the basketball community this month.

A little over a week ago, Clark was at the center of a wild scuffle involving the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun. It all started with her getting poked in the eye by Jacy Sheldon. After shoving Sheldon in return, she got bumped to the ground by Marina Mabrey. Although many people viewed it as a cheap shot, Mabrey wasn’t ejected by the refs.

After the refs refused to eject Mabrey for her actions, award-winning columnist Christine Brennan said the WNBA “failed to meet the moment.” She wasn’t the only media member frustrated with the league’s officials.

“Marina Mabrey being allowed to stay in the game further proves how big of a joke WNBA officials are,” David Eickholt of 247Sports said. “A player is holding their eye and gets thrown to the floor from the back.”

On June 25, Dave Briggs of The Toledo Blade called out the WNBA in a lengthy opinion piece.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 17: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jacy Sheldon #4 of the Connecticut Sun in the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Briggs believes the WNBA has “unconscionably” failed Clark.

“With the opportunity to send a clarion message that enough is enough — it is not open season on Clark — the league did nothing,” Briggs wrote. “Mabrey was slapped with a flagrant foul, but not ejected, let alone suspended.”

Despite accusing the WNBA of failing to meet the moment, Briggs made it clear that he’s not trying to portray Clark as a victim.

“This isn’t about casting Clark as a victim. She’s tough as hell, dishes it out, and doesn’t shy from contact. She’s the hotshot every vet wants to put in place — a tale as old as sports — and, truthfully, playing her physical is the only real option. But there is a line. And the WNBA continues to play with fire. Why no suspension for a dirty play after the whistle? Is commissioner Cathy Engelbert really so worried about the feelings of the league’s territorial old guard that she’s willing to risk the future of the league?”

It won’t take long for fans to argue over Briggs’ opinion.

Do you believe the WNBA has failed its most popular player?