WNBA Fails Caitlin Clark: Timeline of Brutal Hits
Caitlin Clark, the face of the WNBA and an Iowa sports legend, has endured a shocking pattern of violent, unchecked physicality since entering the league. Despite bringing unprecedented revenue and viewership to professional basketball, Clark faces a persistent target on her back while officials and the league office routinely fail to protect her in real time.
How the WNBA's Physicality Escalated Against Clark
From the very first month of her rookie season in 2024, the former Iowa Hawkeye superstar has absorbed controversial hits from opposing players. Referees have come under heavy scrutiny for swallowing their whistles during dangerous plays, while the league office relies on retroactive penalties instead of live officiating. The hits on Clark have also sparked a heated national debate, with progressive media figures and the WNBA Players Association often defending the aggressors and attacking reporters who ask questions.
Here is the timeline of the brutal contact Clark has endured:
May 2024: A Rookie Welcome
On May 18, 2024, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart sent Clark flying to the hardwood by standing still and setting a blind screen. While the play was legal, it served as Clark's