Sports commentator Dan Dakich has expressed profound dissatisfaction with how the WNBA has addressed the persistent physical challenges faced by Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Dakich, 63, leveled strong criticism against the WNBA, its head of officials Sue Blanch, and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for their perceived mismanagement of the situation surrounding the Fever’s standout player. He specifically highlighted the ongoing physical play Clark has endured.
"It's complete bulls--- the way this league is handling it. It's utter bulls---. And frankly, I'm going to the league office. I'm calling out the commissioner. I'm calling out the head of officials."
This strong statement from Dakich followed a recent game where Clark was involved in a controversial incident. During the Fever’s 111-109 defeat to the Phoenix Mercury, Clark was struck in the throat by Alyssa Thomas while on the court after a scramble for the ball. No foul was initially called, and Clark had to leave the game due to the injury.
Subsequently, Thomas was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty, leading to her suspension for "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area."
Controversial Comments on Officiating and Leadership
Dakich asserted that the WNBA's officiating issues stem from what he described as "DEI officials." He claimed this problem extends to college basketball, the NBA, and NFL, but maintained that the WNBA currently exemplifies it most prominently.
"The WNBA is at the forefront of DEI if they have unqualified people that cannot handle calling a game like that. And frankly, it's always the same African-American woman that doesn't make calls, at least according to Caitlin Clark and her fans. Disrespectful, unacceptable. Uh-uh. That's not what we're supposed to say," Dakich stated. "We're supposed to call it for what it is. Complete bulls--- and a joke of a league for not stepping in and doing something."
While Dakich commended Fever coach Stephanie White, he sharply criticized Amber Cox, the Fever’s Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, for her perceived silence regarding the ongoing treatment of Clark.
"Amber Cox, who's the president of the freaking Fever. Her dumbas-- was on Twitter last night congratulating fans for different things. I mean, I've never heard her stand up. I've never heard, not one single time, have I heard, not once, have I heard the commissioner of the league, (Cathy Engelbert)," Dakich remarked. "They're all afraid of angry African-American lesbians. They're all afraid, like I guess we were all supposed to be back in 2020, of the media making you racist. Does being called a racist really bother you anymore? Does it even matter?"
Call for Aggressive Player Protection
Dakich urged the Fever’s leadership to encourage players to physically defend Clark on the court, going as far as suggesting a bench-clearing incident should occur if another menacing act takes place.
"If I am the leadership of the Fever, I'm getting somebody in there that's going to kick somebody's a--. I mean, I am not allowing this to happen any longer. In fact, I don't know their team. It seems like everybody gives Sophie Cunningham the pass on being an enforcer. She tackled a girl from behind. That's fine," Dakich said. "But there needs to be an extended bench-clearing brawl. A 'Malice at the Palace'-type thing for the next time somebody touches Caitlin Clark in such a way that it is menacing. And that's exactly what this is. This is menacing behavior."
Clark will not participate in the Fever’s upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks, scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
This season, the Fever hold a 10-8 record, with Clark having played in 17 of those games. Across her appearances, she has maintained averages of 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per contest.
