WNBA Fines Player Over Post Game Antics
With the drafting of Caitlin Clark by the Indiana Fever, the WNBA found itself on the brink of a breakthrough it had never experienced before. Since its inception in the late 1990s, the league, funded by the NBA, has struggled financially, never managing to turn a profit. Clark, a sensational talent with a magnetic appeal, represented a golden opportunity to change that narrative. Success was finally within reach, and all the other WNBA players had to do was embrace it.
However, the unfolding events paint a grim picture. Instead of capitalizing on this golden opportunity, some players have seemingly chosen to act out of spite, and possibly even racism. The most recent incident underscores this troubling trend.
Entire league out to get Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/aZHN9FUhgN
— WNBA Rookie Watch (@WNBARookieWatch) June 1, 2024
Chennedy Carter, in a shocking display, took Clark to the ground while hurling obscenities at her. Despite the violent nature of the act, the referees called it a common foul. This incident was followed by former LSU player Angel Reese, who had a history of animosity towards Clark from their college days, congratulating Carter for the cheap shot with a hug at the bench.
Clark's targeting didn't start there. Over her first 10 games, she has been subjected to repeated, flagrant fouls by players seemingly holding personal vendettas. The referees have largely ignored these aggressive actions, a puzzling stance that raises questions about fairness and safety in the league.
Angel Reese with the elbow & stare down on Caitlin Clark
This wasn’t called a foul pic.twitter.com/1MqXpkLRon
— betr (@betr) June 1, 2024
This pattern of behavior poses a significant threat to the WNBA's newfound potential. How many new fans, drawn to the league by the promise and excitement Clark brings, will stick around if they see their favorite player being relentlessly targeted without adequate protection?
Predictably, the initial spike in ratings fueled by Clark's presence has started to plummet. The hype and excitement she brought to the WNBA aren't enough to compensate for the league's overall quality issues. The persistent display of poor sportsmanship and apparent internal conflicts detract from the league's appeal, making it difficult to retain new viewers.
I invested $100,000 into WNBA stocks just before Caitlin Clark was drafted, thinking she would take this eye sore of a stud league to the next level. 5 games into her career & I’m pulling my investments. This league is beyond saving. No foul calls on assault & battery. Cooked. pic.twitter.com/GhSygLTZXa
— J. Mulholland (@MulhollandL0ver) May 23, 2024
The actions of a few players, whether driven by jealousy, racism, or other motives, are undermining the league's potential success. Instead of uniting to elevate the WNBA, these players seem content to remain in mediocrity, earning less and flying coach, rather than working together to build a more successful and profitable league.