Indiana congressman questions WNBA over ‘excessive attacks’ on Caitlin Clark

An Indiana congressman criticizes the treatment of Caitlin Clark by her opponents in the WNBA in a letter to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Congressman Jim Banks (R, IN-3) sent the letter on Tuesday, highlighting Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s hip check of Clark in Saturday’s game, calling it an “over-the-top attack” and saying Carter’s teammate Angel Reese cheered and supported the moment.

“Indiana is a basketball state. We don’t shy away from aggressive defense, but this was not an example of ‘rough’ play,” Banks wrote. “It was an unfair hit that could have resulted in injury and should not be tolerated.”

Banks suggested that in addition to its decision to upgrade Carter’s foul to a Flagrant 1, the WNBA should take disciplinary action against Carter and the Sky and penalize the Sky and Reese for not being available to the media after the game.

Banks said the WNBA “refuses to hold hostile players accountable and enforce its own sportsmanship rules.”

“This is a disservice not only to Clark and the Indiana Fever, but also to the millions of young girls who watch and dream of one day playing in the WNBA,” he added.

At the end of the letter, he asked Englebert to answer four questions, including whether the league would take steps “to curb excessive physical attacks on certain players.”

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After Saturday’s game, Clark said in an ESPN interview during the game that she “didn’t expect” Carter’s hard foul, calling it “not a basketball play.”

On Monday, Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon described Carter’s actions as “inappropriate.” When asked if there would be further disciplinary action, Weatherspoon said she and Carter had addressed the issue “internally.”

That same day, the WNBA announced that Carter would not be suspended or fined for the punch.

The league has a point system to track when players accumulate enough fouls to warrant a suspension. The WNBA has the ability to penalize or suspend any player who commits an intentional foul at any time during the regular season, preseason or playoffs, regardless of whether the point levels are met.

Reese’s media rule violation cost her $1,000 and Sky was fined $5,000 for failing to ensure players complied with the WNBA’s media guidelines.

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(Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)