WNBA Faces DOJ Warning Over Caitlin Clark Treatment

WNBA treatment of Caitlin Clark has drawn escalating scrutiny, including a warning tied to federal civil-rights enforcement. After a game incident on June 25 involving Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas and Clark, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was again at the center of debate about rough fouls, missed calls, and perceived targeting. The WNBA reviewed the play, changed it to a flagrant foul, and suspended Thomas for one game for recklessly making fist contact, but questions persisted. Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger said he demanded accountability from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and warned the league could face a Department of Justice and EEOC crackdown if it continues to “let violent targeting slide.” Thomas characterized the hit as accidental and said she received death threats after the incident; Clark and coach Stephanie White condemned such behavior. Clark has collected nine flagrant fouls in 72 regular-season and playoff games since joining the WNBA in 2024. The article also notes additional technical foul calls and an earlier confrontation involving DeWanna Bonner, with further commentary from teammates including Sophie Cunningham.