Christine Brennan, a sports columnist and author of the book "ON HER GAME: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports," recently shared her insights into the enduring impact of the image depicting Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas making physical contact with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
The incident led to a one-game suspension for Thomas and reignited discussions about the level of physicality Clark has faced from her WNBA peers on the court. In her inaugural professional season, Clark has experienced multiple physical encounters.
During a recent discussion, Brennan suggested that the image of Thomas's fist near Clark's throat holds significant weight because Clark's rising popularity has been instrumental in improving conditions for athletes across the league, including players like Thomas.
The Incident's Profound Impact
"Is the league going to speak out at all about the visual that will live with this league, I believe forever? I think that picture, the fist to the throat is that big of a deal. I wish it wasn’t racial. I wish it was (Marina) Mabrey or somebody so you can have it not be a racial conversation because in our polarized society, I hate that," Brennan stated. "I wish that could be out of it and we can look at the fact that the face of the league, Caitlin Clark, no doubt about it, every measure possible, has got a fist to her throat. Caitlin Clark, who has brought the charter flights, I broke that story, you know, that’s a fact."
Brennan further elaborated on the extensive benefits Clark has brought to the league.
"Caitlin Clark, with all the TV ratings, all the attendance figures, everything that she has brought she has made Alyssa Thomas’ life better. She's making more money. She's got it. She's not in the middle seat anymore in coach as they all used to be, some of them and, instead you've got the fist to the throat. She’s hitting the person who brought her all of that. That’s why this story resonates. I wish we would hear from Cathy Engelbert about it. Is she concerned about Caitlin Clark and Caitlin Clark being injured?"
The Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury are scheduled to compete again on July 9.
