There has been quite a bit of controversy around Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. She is having a fantastic season, averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game while her field goal percentage (43.0%) and three-point percentage (34.4%) are both up from her career averages.
Despite her success on the court and her status as one of the most popular players of all time, some still give hot takes about Clark.
Dick Vitale Defends Caitlin Clark
Clark was recently the victim of a very physical play that caused a back injury and left her out of action.
Clark mostly goes about her business, but because of her stature and popularity, and given the current political climate, she is often brought to the forefront in situations like this.
Clark, however, had one legendary announcer come to her defense.
“Absolutely makes “No Sense “that @Caitlinclark22 is targeted in such a negative manner by many of her peers . She should be treated like ROYALTY for what she has done for the @WNBA! #@ESPNPR!”
Dick Vitale tweeted.
Absolutely makes “No Sense “ that @Caitlinclark22 is targeted in such a negative manner by many of her peers . She should be treated like ROYALTY for what she has done for the @WNBA ! #@ESPNPR https://t.co/EHLiLPfKQk
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 8, 2026
It’s not a surprise to see Vitale come to the defense of a young player like Clark – it’s something he’s often done in the past. Although treating Clark like “royalty” doesn’t seem necessary, she has had a massive impact on the league and should continue to do so as she develops in her career.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who had the altercation with Clark, was suspended for one game for “recklessly making contact with her fist.” There have been several other examples where players have been rough with Clark in an attempt to slow her down and keep her from being aggressive with the ball.
There have been calls for opponents to stop being so physical with Clark, while others believe the media hopes Clark can get special treatment. The sports landscape has genuinely been divided by the recent events, and the way Clark – and everyone else – is officiated is certainly a tough question to handle.
Clark has also publicly called on the WNBA to do a better job of protecting its players.
Clark and Vitale aren’t the only prominent figures that have an issue with the officiating.
Republican lawmakers made pleas to the league in a letter led by Rep. August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and several other members of Congress, calling for the WNBA to change the way it officiates Clark. They referred to the actions against Clark as “physical hostility and violence on the court.”
Vitale obviously didn’t go that far, but his point remains.
Emmanuel Ocho had some surprising words for Clark, calling her a distraction and saying that now that she has helped bring more viewers to the WNBA, her job is done.
“The WNBA, at this junction and time, would be better without Caitlin Clark because she is a bigger distraction than she is an additive,” Acho argued. “Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA over the necessary threshold they needed. Now, people are watching, now we realize, ‘Oh there is talent in the WNBA. The talent that actually is even greater than Caitlin Clark.’”
There’s no doubt Clark has brought new fans to the WNBA, and if she continues her ascent, she will likely only continue to do so.
Clark is listed as probable for the Fever’s matchup with the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night.
