NBA commissioner Adam Silver discusses Caitlin Clark, WNBA officiating

Key Points:

• NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been unfairly turned into "a political football" amid controversy surrounding an on-court incident with Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.
• Silver declined to comment on reports alleging he influenced WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert's decision to suspend Thomas for making contact with Clark's throat, calling the reports "absolutely false."
• The incident occurred during a June 24 game when Thomas made contact with Clark's throat, resulting in a retroactive one-game suspension for Thomas, who claimed the contact was accidental and faced online abuse afterward.
• Silver emphasized the need to support Clark and improve officiating in the WNBA and NBA, urging focus on Clark's development as a player rather than the political controversy surrounding the incident.
• Silver praised Engelbert's leadership and the progress of the WNBA, expressing confidence in the league's direction under her guidance.