Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is having another big year this 2026 season. She’s averaging 21.2 points on 43.0% shooting, both career bests, along with 4.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists. She’s tied for third in the league in scoring and is second in assists, highlighting her incredible production so far.
While the Fever have been inconsistent as a team with an 11-8 record, they remain in contention for a playoff spot.
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Unfortunately for Clark and the Fever, however, they have been involved in some controversy recently.
Caitlin Clark-Alyssa Thomas Incident
During their game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 24, All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas was caught on video hitting Clark in the throat area. No foul was called on the play, which sparked heavy backlash against Thomas and the WNBA.
The WNBA reviewed the play after the game and ruled that it warranted a Flagrant 2 foul, leading to the decision to suspend Thomas for one game.
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Unfortunately for Thomas, while she said that her hit was a “complete accident,” she received death threats and hate messages because of the incident.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Caitlin Clark Sends Blunt Message to WNBA Referees
As the conversation about the incident continues, particularly regarding how to improve officiating and prevent players from getting harassed by fans both online and in person, Clark addressed Thomas’ hit and shared her opinion on what the WNBA needs to do.
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According to Clark, Thomas’ hit was a clear flagrant foul. However, she pointed out that the issue was more with the officiating since the foul was not called in real time. Had it been called, there’s a good chance the incident wouldn’t have escalated the way it did.
Clark emphasized that the WNBA needs to do a better job of protecting its players.
“I did think it was a flagrant foul and our reffing just need to do better,” Clark said during the Fever’s practice on Friday, per Tony East of The IX Sports. “The league’s just got to do better protecting our players in that regard.”
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Clark acknowledged that the referees’ job is hard, so the league needs to invest more in them. She suggested “treating the referees a little bit better” by paying them like they are “full-time employees.”
The Fever playmaker further mentioned improving the technology the league uses in order for officials to make better judgments during games.
Clark also addressed the backlash that Thomas has received, stating that the “harassment” and “hate” are not okay. She told reporters that she doesn’t want any player in the league to experience that kind of treatment.
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The WNBA has already condemned the hate speech directed at Thomas, with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert instructing the league security team to coordinate with the Mercury.
So far, however, the league has yet to issue a statement and share about more concrete actions it is taking to address the officiating and security issues.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Doesn’t Hold Back on WNBA’s Caitlin Clark Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
