Caitlin Clark Is The WNBA's PUNCHING BAG As The League FAILS To Protect Its STAR | Don't @ Me w/Dan Dakich
Dan Dakich reacts to the latest mistreatment of Caitlin Clark by the WNBA. Plus, Darryn Peterson explains only working out for one team before the draft & Shot Clock violation!
The Caitlin Clark drama has everyone fired up this week. Haven't you heard?
For those who somehow missed it (don't know how that's possible if you read OutKick), Clark was absolutely mugged by Alyssa Thomas in Wednesday's Fever-Mercury showdown. Thomas shoved Clark to the floor, and proceeded to put her fist into Clark's throat before stepping on her.
No foul was called, amazingly. Replay of the no-call quickly went viral, with several prominent media personalities weighing in.
"Tonight was a pivotal moment in Caitlin Clark’s season and career. It’s time the league takes notice and adjusts. It impacts a franchise," said former WNBA player and NFL reporter Stacey Dales.
CAITLIN CLARK SHOVED IN NECK DURING FEVER GAME AS ANOTHER APPARENT FOUL ON STAR GOES UNCALLED
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
"I think it's trashy. She gets the crap kicked out of her. The WNBA has an opportunity for women to take it to the next level, and she's being just abused..." Rep. Tim Burchett told TMZ Sports.
"It is supposed to be a physical game — it's not supposed to be a wrestling match. Take it to the pro wrestling association."
Heck, even Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita gave his verdict after the WNBA handed Thomas a measly one-game suspension on Thursday.
"That's it? Just one game? Pathetic. No player should have to endure an assault on the court, let alone Caitlin Clark — who has done more for the WNBA than anyone," he said on social media. "The league had the chance to make a strong example to protect her but failed completely. Clark deserves far better."
So, yeah — we've heard from a lot of folks on this one. Now, it's time to hear from you, the fans.
OutKick asked readers on Friday what they thought of the incident, and, to no surprise, you all absolutely blasted the WNBA, the refs, and, of course, Thomas.
OutKick readers weigh in on Caitlin Clark incident
"Only a ONE GAME suspension??? Are you kidding me??? That's felony assault. In no way was that accidental," said one reader.
"How can the league continue to look the other way?" added another. "One game suspension, really? How about jail time?"
"Thomas should be thrown out of basketball, and cited for an assault," said a third.
Seems a bit harsh if you ask me, but perhaps not? Would be one heck of a precedent to set!
While a ton of you advocated for jail time, others said Caitlin should take the case all the way to the top. Let a jury decide!
"Clark needs to sue the WNBA," one reader suggested. "The discovery alone will bury them."
What a court case THAT would be! It would make the O.J. trial look tame. Imagine the C-SPAN ratings?
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever reacts during a game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 22, 2026. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Clark, by the way, won't play today against the LA Sparks. She left Wednesday's game with a back injury (shocker), and has already been ruled out tonight.
Some readers suggested that Clark should never return, instead taking her ball and going overseas. That, by the way, would be a disaster for the WNBA. The league would crumble. It would be toast.
FEVER ARENA LOOKS SHOCKINGLY EMPTY AFTER CAITLIN CLARK SCRATCHED HOURS BEFORE TIP
"If there is a team for her in Europe or any place that isn’t the WNBA, she should absolutely go," a reader said. "Let the insufferables of the WNBA watch their crowds, money and everything else dwindle without her."
"Caitlin Clark needs to walk away from the game she loves," another added. "She doesn't need it and the only reason she is subject to this behavior by other players, coaches, and league leadership is simply put, SHE'S WHITE! No other reason or excuse!"
Ah, yes. Racism. That was a biggie for readers. I'd wager to say that 80% of the emails we received — and we got about 50 of them — had to do with race.
Caitlin Clark is a white player in a league that is 65(ish)% Black. In today's world, you can't have a good drama without some racial undertones.
"Caitlin Clark has become the Donald Trump of the WNBA," one reader said. "The WNBA is 'killing the golden goose.' and nobody cares. Sad! Racism? Jealousy? You decide."
"After this latest assault on Caitlin, I'm convinced it's all about race. Yes, RACE," added another.
"You are all afraid to say it out loud, they hate her because she is a star and is white," said a third.
I could go on and on. You get the picture.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the second quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 20, 2026. (Colin Hubbard/Getty Images)
Finally, on the way out, one reader left us with a theory that I very much support:
"(Angel) Reese grabs a folding metal chair and climbs to the top of the backboard, jumps off and smashes the chair over Clark's back. Clark, prone on the hardwood, tags in (Sophie) Cunningham, who has an industrial size fire extinguisher, and proceeds to pursue Reese around the ring ... court."
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"Yeah, scripted."
Ding, ding, ding!
