Former NBA doctor warns of dire consequences for Caitlin Clark if hard contact issues continue
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- Former Philadelphia 76ers orthopedic consultant Dr. Nicholas DiNubile expressed serious concern over the physical treatment of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, highlighting the dangers of recent hard contact, including a throat punch by Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas.
- DiNubile warned that blows to the throat can cause life-threatening injuries such as larynx damage or airway blockage, and noted Clark has frequently endured dangerous hits to her face and head, increasing her risk of serious injury.
- Despite Clark's repeated exposure to hard contact and injuries like a ruptured eardrum, DiNubile believes she has little ability to protect herself and called on the WNBA to improve officiating to better safeguard players.
- The WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert defended Thomas amid verbal backlash but did not issue a statement supporting Clark after the throat punch incident, while Clark's coach Stephenie White condemned online toxicity targeting Thomas.
- The controversy has sparked national debate about player safety and the league's responsibility to protect its athletes from excessive and dangerous physical contact.
