Chris Evert Slams WNBA Over Caitlin Clark’s Treatment: “What Happened to Sportsmanship?”

Tennis legend Chris Evert has made her voice heard after another physical altercation involving WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Evert, a fierce advocate for the integrity of sportsmanship, took to social media to express her concerns over the ongoing rough play Clark has faced, calling on the league to address the lack of protection for its rising star.

A Chaotic Night in Indianapolis

The latest incident occurred during Tuesday night’s game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, where Clark endured a poke to the eye and was shoved to the ground amid escalating fouls and confrontations. These actions, which resulted in technical fouls for Clark, Sun players Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles, and a flagrant foul on Jacy Sheldon, raised serious questions about the league’s approach to physicality and player safety.

Evert, clearly troubled by the events, voiced her frustrations in a scathing post:

“When will these ladies realize, accept, and appreciate @CaitlinClark22 is the best thing that ever happened to women’s basketball? This is a bad look for the sport and what’s happened to sportsmanship?” Evert wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing disbelief over the ongoing aggression Clark has faced.

Her comments followed a report from sports columnist Christine Brennan, who also criticized the WNBA’s handling of the situation, particularly the decision to allow Mabrey to remain in the game. Brennan wrote: “The WNBA continues to fail to meet the moment. Terrible decision to allow Marina Mabrey to stay in the game. People are watching as never before. And this is what they see?”

Clark Under Fire: Targeted or Just Part of the Game?

This latest skirmish is not an isolated incident. Last year, Clark was also poked in the eye during a game against the same team—the Connecticut Sun. The repeated physicality has led many to question whether the WNBA is doing enough to protect one of its most marketable stars, especially given Clark’s meteoric rise in the league.

Fever head coach Stephanie White also voiced frustration with the officiating, pointing out that there was no clear explanation for the technical foul assessed to Clark. Crew chief Ashley Gross stated that the foul was for “unsportsmanlike conduct” after Sheldon’s physical play, but many fans and analysts, including Evert, found this response to be unjust, considering Clark had been hit in the face.

The Bigger Picture: Rough Play or Targeted Hostility?

Clark’s rapid rise has undoubtedly elevated the WNBA to new heights, but it has also brought increased attention to the physical play and aggressive fouls directed at her. While some argue that it’s simply a part of the game, others feel that the treatment of Clark goes beyond competitiveness—suggesting it’s personal.

“It’s not just competitiveness. This feels personal,” one fan posted in response to footage of Clark being shoved. “You don’t treat your league’s biggest star like that unless you’re trying to send a message.”

The rise of Clark, often overshadowing veteran players, has led some to speculate that resentment or envy could be contributing to the rough play she’s facing on the court.

Sophie Cunningham’s Role: Defender or Avenger?

Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has received both praise and criticism for her response to Sheldon’s foul on Clark. Cunningham’s hard foul on Sheldon, which resulted in both players being ejected, was seen by some as an act of defending her teammate, while others viewed it as an unnecessary escalation. Regardless of perspective, the incident has intensified calls for the WNBA to better manage player conduct and protect athletes from escalating aggression during high-stakes matchups.

Senator Weighs In

The controversy surrounding Clark’s treatment has even attracted the attention of lawmakers. Indiana Republican Senator Jim Banks called for an apology from the WNBA and the Fever for what he described as “unchecked aggression” toward Clark. Appearing on OutKick’s Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich, Banks expressed his disappointment with the league’s handling of the situation, adding, “This is supposed to be a celebration of elite women’s basketball—not a grudge match every week.”

The WNBA’s Dilemma: Balancing Star Power with Fair Play

Clark’s rise in the WNBA has brought the league both significant exposure and its fair share of challenges. As one of the most marketable athletes in the league, Clark has attracted the spotlight—but that has also made her a target. Her demand is simple: protection and respect, just like any other elite athlete. She isn’t asking for special treatment; she simply wants to feel safe on the court.

As the WNBA faces growing pressure to address the physical play targeting Clark, the league may soon have to answer the tough questions that Chris Evert raised: What happened to sportsmanship? What does the future hold for one of women’s basketball’s brightest stars if the league continues to allow such rough play without appropriate consequences?

For now, fans, players, and officials alike will continue to watch the unfolding situation, knowing that Clark’s treatment will shape not only her future but the integrity of the WNBA as a whole.