Republican lawmaker rips WNBA’s ‘thug treatment’ of Caitlin Clark after latest on-court controversy
The latest attack on Caitlin Clark on the field may be the biggest attack yet, and possibly the point where a line is finally drawn.
Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas ran over the point guard on the ground after sticking her fist in his neck, and the play was initially called off – a review of the play resulted in Flagrant 2 and a one-game suspension.
But the foul drew the ire of Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who said Clark would receive the punishment. “thug treatment” She called it “pathetic” in the WNBA.
OUTKICK SPORTS CARTOON OF THE DAY: LATEST ATTACK ON CAITLIN CLARK
Representative Tim Burchett speaks to reporters after a closed briefing by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. (Getty Images)
“I think it’s trashy. It takes away from everything. There’s an opportunity in the WNBA for women to take it to the next level and it’s just being exploited…” Burchett said. TMZ Sports.
“This is supposed to be a physical game, not a wrestling match. Take this to the professional wrestling association.”
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas attempts to tackle Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. Phoenix Mercury defeated Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Burchett also said “something was wrong” about Clark not being featured on the promotional poster for the WNBA’s 30th anniversary, even though her games resulted in record attendance and viewership.
“I think something’s wrong, I think everybody knows what it is. And they’re going to lose,” Burchett said before making a bold prediction.
“A European league will withdraw him and they will pay him, he will withdraw and they will all go back to coaching.”
Mercury even posted a social media message that appeared to mock Clark’s play; This message also included a cartoon actor lying on the ground and saying “I-WANT A PART OF THIS TOO?!?”
The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for a Flagrant 2 foul on Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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The post appeared to be a play on DeWanna Bonner’s part. Bonner, of course, is now with the Mercury after a brief spell with the Fever last season, and both teams have already had plenty of tension this week.
OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske contributed to this report.
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