CHEAP SHOT: WNBA star Caitlin Clark takes fist to the neck during game

During Wednesday night’s game against the Phoenix Mercury team in Indianapolis, Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark took a fist to the neck. She ultimately ended up exiting the game in the second half due to issues with her back. The Indiana Fever lost to the Phoenix Mercury team 111-109. 

With 6:52 left in the second period, Clark stumbled to the ground in the lane after receiving some contact with defender Lexi Held. In pursuit of the ball, Held, DeWanna Bonner, and Alyssa Thomas collapsed on Clark, with Thomas appearing to push her fist into Clark’s neck, getting up, and stepping over her. 

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White said after the game, "We have a generational talent and WNBA superstar who had two cheap shots [against her] right there that weren't called." She called it "Absolutely unacceptable," per ESPN.

White said, "No. 1, you've got to call it. It's absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful." She added that officials had later told her that they had not seen what Thomas did. 

The move was widely criticized on social media. Outkick founder Clay Travis wrote, "WNBA players hate Caitlin Clark and cheap shot her because she’s white and straight. That’s despite the fact that she’s the only reason most of them are getting paid anything at all."

Barstool’s Dave Portnoy wrote, "What are we even doing here? Brutal cheap shot. These women would still be flying commercial without Caitlin and this is how she is treated. Insane." 

Outkick’s Jon Root wrote, "It’s insane how the WNBA allows the most important, influential, & popular player in league history to get treated like literal garbage. Caitlin Clark deserves better."