What happened to Caitlyn in her first playoff game was simply unacceptable. She received a brutal eye poke from D.I. Carrington, and it’s hard to believe that wasn’t intentional. That wasn’t just a basketball play. Clark should have been better protected.
Let’s be honest: you can call it jealousy or envy, but Caitlyn is a major draw for the league. Incidents like this hurt not only her but the entire WNBA’s image. A rising star lifts everyone, right? If she’s bringing in more viewers and revenue, shouldn’t everyone benefit?
So why was there no real punishment for Carrington? Why wasn’t there a foul called or even a review? This is the WNBA’s biggest star, and nothing was done. The team was fined for not making players available to the media, but that’s it. It’s ridiculous.
This isn’t just an isolated incident—it’s part of a troubling trend. The lack of protection for Clark in these situations threatens player safety, officiating standards, and the league’s integrity. Fans were understandably outraged, and social media lit up with calls for answers.
We also can’t ignore the racial undertones here. Clark is a white player excelling in a league where most players are Black. I’m not saying race caused this incident, but it’s an important part of the conversation. Some players might feel uncomfortable with Clark being seen as the face of the WNBA, especially after landing a massive $28 million endorsement deal—a feat that even two-time champion A’ja Wilson hasn’t achieved.
Regardless, Caitlyn is the league’s leading star, and she needs protection. This issue goes beyond just one game or one player—it’s about the future of women’s basketball. If the WNBA doesn’t take action, whether through suspensions, fines, or rule changes, they risk losing credibility. This situation could redefine how they handle aggressive play and protect their stars moving forward.
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith wasn’t shy about voicing his frustration. He slammed the incident, calling the poke reckless and criticizing the WNBA for not stepping in. He wasn’t alone. Many fans, including Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy, joined in on social media. Portnoy even questioned why the WNBA allows players to wear long nails, suggesting they can turn into dangerous weapons on the court.
Will the league step up to protect its players, or will it let incidents like this slide? The stakes couldn’t be higher.
