Caitlin Clark has quickly become a sensation in the WNBA, but her entry into the league has sparked controversy. Recently, there has been growing chatter surrounding her treatment on the court, with some fans and media suggesting she’s been targeted with hard fouls. This narrative, however, has drawn mixed reactions from players, coaches, and even league officials. Jonquel Jones, a Finals MVP and WNBA star, has recently shared her perspective on the situation, shedding light on what it’s like from a player’s point of view.
What Does Jonquel Jones Have to Say About Caitlin Clark’s Treatment?
Jonquel Jones, a seasoned veteran in the WNBA, took the opportunity to address the media’s portrayal of the situation during an interview on the Kickin’ It With Dee podcast. Jones shared that it was uncomfortable for her to watch the media push a narrative that simply wasn’t true. “You would go on social media and see people pushing narratives that just weren’t true,” she explained. As a professional athlete, she emphasized that her focus was always on competing hard, not on targeting any particular player.
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“We’re going out there to compete hard every night… it’s our job, and we’re athletes,” Jones continued. The idea that WNBA players were intentionally trying to bully Caitlin Clark was something Jones rejected. “It wasn’t that we, the WNBA players, are trying to like bully Caitlin Clark,” she clarified. “It was just the fact that we’re going to go out here, we’re going to hoop.”
Is Physical Play Part of the WNBA Culture?
Jonquel Jones made it clear that the physical nature of the WNBA is part of the sport, and every player expects to face tough competition. She noted that one of the greatest signs of respect an athlete can receive from their opponents is when they play hard against them. The idea that Clark was being singled out didn’t sit well with Jones, who reiterated that her goal, and the goal of her fellow players, is simply to compete at the highest level.
“We’re not out here trying to attack Caitlin Clark personally; we’re just going out there to play hard,” she said. The competitive spirit of the game is what matters to Jones and many others in the league, and they aren’t treating Clark any differently than any other rookie.
How Has the WNBA Commissioner Responded to These Claims?
As the situation continued to gain attention, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stepped in to address the growing concern over Clark’s treatment. After Clark’s impressive performance in a game where she scored 30 points against the Washington Mystics, Engelbert was asked about whether Clark had been targeted by other players. The Commissioner dismissed the idea, stating that no one had specifically mentioned any instances of Clark being targeted in that game.
“Did anyone say she was targeted in that game? No, because everyone’s just looking for the outcome they want,” Engelbert explained. She pointed out that much of the discussion was rooted in perception, suggesting that the narrative was being pushed by those who were looking for a specific outcome. However, she assured that the league was closely monitoring the situation to ensure fairness for all players.
What Are Other WNBA Figures Saying About the Situation?
Geno Auriemma’s Thoughts on Caitlin Clark’s “Targeting”
Not everyone agreed with the Commissioner’s dismissal of the narrative. Legendary coach Geno Auriemma, known for his tenure with the UConn Huskies, voiced his opinion on the matter, particularly about a controversial incident involving Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky. Auriemma didn’t believe the physical play was simply “regular rookie treatment.”
He pointed out that Clark had been subjected to aggressive play that, in his view, went beyond the norm. He described one incident where Clark was shoulder-checked by Carter as “junior high stuff,” suggesting that the treatment Clark was receiving was more intense than anything he’d seen directed at other rookies, even in the NBA.
“Why are you blaming that kid? It’s not her fault because you would trade places with her in a minute,” Auriemma added, emphasizing that Clark had earned her place and should be respected for her talent and dedication.
Rebecca Lobo Weighs In on Clark’s Treatment
Former WNBA star Rebecca Lobo also addressed the claims that Clark was being unfairly targeted. Lobo acknowledged that Clark was receiving heavy defensive attention, but she didn’t believe that the physicality was excessive or dirty. “Are veterans being physical with her? They are,” Lobo noted, but she added, “I have not seen anything excessive or anything dirty” beyond the shoulder-check by Carter.
Lobo’s perspective suggests that while Clark’s strong performance on the court is drawing defensive attention, it’s part of the game, and nothing about it crosses into unfair treatment.
Breanna Stewart’s Take on Physical Play in the WNBA
Breanna Stewart, another top player in the WNBA, reinforced the idea that physical play is part of the league’s culture. Stewart, who has faced Clark multiple times this season, emphasized that in the WNBA, “Nobody’s going to give you anything easy.” She made it clear that no one in the league is looking to hand Clark an easy path. Instead, the physical play Clark is experiencing is simply a part of the competition at the highest level.
Is Caitlin Clark’s “Targeting” a Sign of Her Rising Influence?
While opinions may differ on whether Clark is being unfairly treated, one thing is clear: she is making an impact in the league. According to Jonquel Jones, athletes respect Clark’s game, and the attention she’s getting on the court is a sign of her growing influence. As Jones said, “The best sign of respect you could get from an opponent is them coming out there and playing you hard.”
With her incredible talent and tenacity, Caitlin Clark has already made a mark on the WNBA. Whether or not she is being targeted, it’s clear that she’s earned the respect of her fellow athletes—and that’s a significant achievement for any rookie.
FAQ
1. Is Caitlin Clark being targeted by other WNBA players? While some media narratives suggest she is, several players and coaches, including Jonquel Jones and Rebecca Lobo, argue that the physical play is simply part of the competition in the WNBA and not specific to Clark.
2. What did Jonquel Jones say about Caitlin Clark’s treatment? Jones emphasized that WNBA players are just competing hard, and the idea of “bullying” Clark is inaccurate. She clarified that no personal attacks are involved—only the standard physicality of the game.
3. How has WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded? Engelbert dismissed the notion that Clark was unfairly targeted, suggesting that much of the narrative around her treatment is based on perception.
4. Did Geno Auriemma think Caitlin Clark was targeted? Auriemma believed that Clark faced more aggression than typical rookies, especially after the incident with Chennedy Carter, which he described as inappropriate.
5. How do other players like Breanna Stewart view the physicality against Caitlin Clark? Stewart noted that physical play is standard in the WNBA, and no player, including Clark, gets special treatment on the court.
