Clark a 'political football' says NBA chief Silver

NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become a 'political football' in the United States, and the debate surrounding fouls against her is no longer primarily about officiating. Silver made the comments during a panel at an event in New York.

Clark, who was drafted into the WNBA in 2024, has become one of the league's biggest draws. Recently, attention has focused on how opposing teams try to limit her impact. Last month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a one-game suspension and a fine for appearing to knee Clark in the groin and push her fist into her neck during a scramble for possession.

Following the incident, Fever coach Stephanie White labelled the officiating of games involving Clark as 'egregious' and 'utterly disrespectful,' while Thomas said she received death threats and racist abuse. A group of 11 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert asking the league to take 'accountability' and expressing concern that attacks against Clark may be racially motivated.

Silver emphasized that the particular incident is not about whether a foul should have been called but about broader political and cultural issues. He refused to comment on reports that he pressured Engelbert to suspend Thomas. However, he acknowledged that officiating in the WNBA needs improvement but stressed that the intense focus on Clark has become a game of 'political ping-pong.'

Engelbert, who also participated in the panel, said the vitriol players receive is unacceptable. White had previously criticized the debate's tone, highlighting increased 'toxicity, racism, homophobia' in the league. Clark herself condemned the harassment and hate, but this week she lost her temper, yelling at a referee and using expletives after calls went against her team.