Indiana Congressman Jim Banks has criticized the WNBA for its handling of the treatment of Caitlin Clark in a recent game. In a letter addressed to commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Banks expressed his concern over Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s hip check on Clark, calling it an “excessive attack.” He also pointed out that Carter’s teammate, Angel Reese, cheered on and supported the moment.
Banks, who hails from a basketball state like Indiana, emphasized that while aggressive defense is expected, Carter’s actions went beyond what is considered acceptable. He described it as a “cheap shot” that could have resulted in an injury and should not be tolerated. The Congressman suggested that the WNBA should take further action against Carter and the Sky, in addition to upgrading Carter’s foul to a Flagrant 1 and imposing a fine.
Banks criticized the WNBA for its failure to hold hostile players accountable and enforce their own rules of sportsmanship. He argued that this not only harms Clark and the Indiana Fever but also sets a poor example for young girls who aspire to play in the WNBA. The Congressman concluded his letter by posing several questions to Engelbert, including whether the league will take measures to prevent excessive physical targeting of specific players.
Clark herself expressed surprise at the hard foul from Carter, describing it as “not a basketball play” during an in-game interview with ESPN. The incident was also deemed inappropriate by Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who stated that she and Carter addressed it internally. However, no further disciplinary action was taken against Carter by the WNBA.
The league operates on a points system to track fouls that may lead to suspensions. However, they retain the authority to fine or suspend players who commit flagrant fouls at any time during the regular season, preseason, or playoffs, regardless of the point levels reached. In this case, Carter did not receive a suspension or fine for her hit on Clark.
Reese, on the other hand, violated media rules and incurred a $1,000 fine. The Sky organization also faced a $5,000 penalty for failing to ensure players comply with WNBA media policies.
The incident involving Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter highlights the ongoing debate surrounding player safety and sportsmanship in professional basketball. While aggression is an integral part of the game, there is a fine line between tough defense and excessive force. Critics argue that the WNBA should take a stronger stance against players who engage in dangerous plays, as failure to do so undermines the integrity of the game and potentially puts players at risk of serious injury.
Congressman Banks’ intervention adds political pressure to the issue, highlighting the significance of basketball in Indiana and the need to uphold the values of fair play and respect. The letter also raises important questions about the league’s responsibility to protect its players and inspire young girls who dream of joining the WNBA.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the WNBA will respond to Congressman Banks’ concerns and address the issue of excessive physical targeting in the league. With the spotlight on player safety and sportsmanship, it is crucial for the WNBA to take appropriate action to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future, promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all players.