Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has been marked by historic offensive stats, tough defense from opponents, and a snub from the U.S. Olympic team.
New fans, drawn to the WNBA by Clark’s record-breaking NCAA career at Iowa, quickly noticed the rough defense she faced. Clark endured controversial fouls, like a hip check from Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter on June 1 and a hit to the head from Sky rookie Angel Reese on June 16.
Physical play that skirts the line of fouling and trash talk on and off the court have also been prominent. Sky coach Theresa Witherspoon remarked on June 27, “Nobody talks more crap than Caitlin.” ESPN’s Holly Rowe sees this as a positive sign for both Clark and the WNBA.
“I love it because it’s supposed to be competitive… I love that people are kind of talking smack and saying, ‘Hey, you need to prove yourself!’” Rowe told Fox News Digital. “I kind of love it because it is supposed to be salty, that’s why it’s competitive, that’s why it’s sports.”
“I think it’s good for the game,” Rowe added.
Caitlin Clark's harsh reception by the WNBA is 'good for the game,' ESPN's Holly Rowe says https://t.co/BMpjC2Zl8q
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 26, 2024
