Caitlin Clark Speaks Out on WNBA Player Threats and Back Injury

WNBA player Caitlin Clark is speaking out against online threats and dealing with a back injury. This comes after an incident involving Alyssa Thomas and a flagrant foul.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Caitlin Clark, the focal point of recent WNBA friction, has publicly decried the deluge of negativity and threats targeting players, including herself, her teammates, and opponents. This comes in the wake of an on-court altercation involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who has reported receiving death threats and racial slurs. Clark’s statement on Friday explicitly condemned such hostility, stating, "None of that is okay."

The league is reportedly reviewing security measures and exploring additional mental health support for its players, grappling with a surge in online harassment that extends beyond a single incident.

Clark also confirmed she will be sidelined for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces, continuing to manage a back injury. This marks her second consecutive missed game and third of the season, stemming from an injury sustained during the June 24th game against the Mercury, the same contest where the incident with Thomas occurred.

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Underlying Tensions Surface

The controversy ignited after Alyssa Thomas made public the abusive messages she received following a flagrant foul on Clark. Thomas was suspended for one game after making contact with Clark's throat during a game on June 22nd. Clark's statement, delivered Friday, sought to address the amplified scrutiny and animosity, acknowledging the presence of "really great people" within the league while pushing back against what she termed an unacceptable narrative expansion. Clark's return to practice on Friday, though she remains unavailable for competition, signals her continued engagement with the team amidst the ongoing discussions surrounding player safety and public perception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Caitlin Clark say about the negativity in the WNBA?
Caitlin Clark spoke out on Friday, saying that the online threats and hostility directed at players, including herself, teammates, and opponents, are not okay.
Q: Why are WNBA players receiving threats?
The threats and abuse, including death threats and racial slurs, increased after an on-court incident between Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas. Alyssa Thomas has publicly shared the abusive messages she received.
Q: Will Caitlin Clark play in the next game?
No, Caitlin Clark will miss Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces because she is still dealing with a back injury. This is her second game missed in a row.
Q: What is being done about the threats and security in the WNBA?
The WNBA is reportedly looking into security measures and more mental health support for players. This is in response to the rise in online harassment.
Q: When did Caitlin Clark get injured?
Caitlin Clark sustained her back injury during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 24th, the same game where the incident with Alyssa Thomas occurred.