AP Photo/Doug McSchooler
Caitlin Clark recently revealed her rookie season is starting off rough, sharing that “everyone is physical with her.”
CBS Sports reports the WNBA player stated league refs are letting her opponents “[get] away with things” against her on the court.
The former Iowa Hawkeye is being challenged by the physicality of women’s professional basketball, and she recently expressed her frustration during a postgame conference. The guard believes there is a double standard.
“I think everybody is physical with me,” the 22-year-old claimed. “They get away with things that probably other people don’t get away with,” she continued.
Caitlin added, “It’s tough, but that’s just the fact of the matter. This is a very physical game, and you’re going to get pressure, this is professional basketball.”
She has accepted that the alleged behavior is just what she has to deal with. “It is what it is, honestly,” the Indiana Fever player said before adding, “I feel like I’m getting hammered.”
During a game against the Seattle Storm on Thursday, May 30, 2024, Caitlin and guard Victoria Vivians seemingly exchanged words after making contact. They had a stare-down before Clark was led away by a teammate. The players both received techs for the incident, which marked the third during the rookie season of her professional career. She has played nine games so far.
Watch the interaction below.
Following her comments, Cailtin experienced what appears to be another run-in on the court on June 1. Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter seemingly gave Caitlin a hard shove. Clark fell to the floor as the ref called the blatant foul.
Watch the moment below.
After the game, the rookie reportedly told ESPN Carter’s action wasn’t a “basketball play,” per the New York Post.
“Yeah, that’s just not a basketball play,” Caitlin Clark said. “But you know I’ve gotta play through it, that’s what basketball is about at this level. I thought we’ve been really physical, we’ve missed some bunnies around the rim, so hopefully those fall in the fourth.”
As previously reported by The Shade Room, the Chi Barbie has also faced rough plays in the big league. Earlier this week, Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun team made contact with Reese’s neck, which led to her taking a hard fall. Thomas was ejected from the game for the flagrant foul.
The LSU grad said that she knew the game would be “tough,” but she said, “That’s what I’m built for.”
A reporter asked her if she believed Thomas was attempting to send her a message because she was a rookie. Reese replied, “It’s not just because I’m a rookie. I’m a player. And I’m a basketball player.” She asserted, “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie.”
The No. 7 WNBA draft pick said, “I want them to come at me every day.” Angel added, “They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie.”
Although Caitlin Clark is seemingly having a hard time adjusting, according to CBS, she is headed toward becoming the first rookie to average 15 points, five assists, and five rebounds per game.
