Former ESPN host Sarah Spain has expressed her frustration regarding Christine Brennan’s column in USA Today, which argues that the WNBA needs to better protect Caitlin Clark. Brennan referenced a moment in which Alyssa Thomas punched Clark in the throat during a recent match, stating, “This incident quickly became part of WNBA folklore. In that moment, Clark—who is arguably the most vital and marketable female athlete of our time—was being attacked by Thomas.” She noted that Clark’s success has been significantly impacted by the very player she competes against.
Brennan went on to accuse the WNBA and its players of showing jealousy and resentment towards Clark over the past three seasons. She criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not taking sufficient action to safeguard Clark from the violence she frequently encounters, suggesting that very little has been done in this regard.
Brennan’s assertions are quite serious; she claims Clark faces more violent fouls and dirty plays than any other player in the league, attributing this to jealousy and a lack of respect. She warns that if the league doesn’t intervene, Clark could face severe injury, potentially jeopardizing the WNBA’s main draw.
In a video shared on LinkedIn, Spain responded, “You won’t hear players say, ‘We hate the NBA’—that’s something they generally don’t express due to the circumstances.” She suggested that Brennan’s comments towards the WNBA were a dereliction of journalistic duty.
It’s curious why Spain chose LinkedIn rather than a more traditional social media platform to share her thoughts. It raises some eyebrows, for sure.
Spain recently became a controversial figure in sports media after confronting Vice President J.D. Vance at a hockey game, which she described as making her “sick.” Her remarks have often been perceived as an attempt to align with popular opinions, limiting her commentary’s depth and honesty.
As for Brennan’s perspective, it seems reasonable to argue that the WNBA should not show favoritism towards Clark simply because she’s a star. Fair enforcement of game rules should apply to all players, especially against aggressive behavior like punching without significant repercussions.
This seems to resonate with many Americans who believe in fair play. It’s perhaps this reason that Spain feels compelled to voice her frustrations in a somewhat unconventional space like LinkedIn.
