"Absolutely unacceptable" and "disrespectful." — Fever head coach Stephanie White on the officiating regarding Caitlin Clark.
After a physical game between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever on Wednesday, Fever head coach Stephanie White criticized the officiating for not protecting Caitlin Clark, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and “disrespectful.”
On his Thursday morning WFAN radio show, Boomer Esiason said that if the WNBA does not respect Clark, she should consider playing overseas where she would receive better treatment and higher pay. Co-host Gregg Giannotti asked if Esiason was suggesting Clark take money from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backed LIV Golf. Esiason noted that many WNBA players supplement income by playing overseas and said Clark is not treated with respect due to “petty jealousy” and her identity as a “straight white basketball player.”
Project B, a startup basketball league reported to have Saudi financial backing, later stated its fundraising does not include Saudi money. Under the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement, player salaries have increased, attracting overseas players to the US.
If Clark left the WNBA to play overseas, she would face similar physical play. Additionally, her endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm could be affected if she plays in a league not televised in the US. The article notes that while Clark has faced physical play and officiating issues, it is inaccurate to claim players target her because she is straight and white.