GOP lawmakers demand accountability from WNBA after ‘attacks’ on Caitlin Clark
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- A group of 11 Republican lawmakers, led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding greater accountability following repeated physical violence against WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
- The letter accuses the WNBA and its officiating of failing to address incidents where Clark was physically targeted, warning that failure to act could lead to investigations by the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- The lawmakers requested Engelbert to respond by July 24, asking about the league's review mechanisms for physical violence, accountability measures for aggressive actions, and steps to protect players from online harassment and threats.
- The controversy escalated after Alyssa Thomas was suspended for a flagrant foul against Clark during a June 24 game, which sparked widespread media attention and political commentary, including from former President Donald Trump.
- Caitlin Clark has expressed a desire to move past the incident and focus on the positive aspects of the game, while the Indiana Fever and WNBA emphasize their commitment to player safety.
