Dan Dakich Criticizes WNBA’s Treatment of Caitlin Clark

Dan Dakich has expressed strong discontent regarding how the WNBA has handled the situation involving Caitlin Clark. The situation escalated after Clark, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, faced physical aggression during a recent game.

“Honestly, I’m very critical of the way this league operates,” Dakich remarked on his show, “Dan Dakich Unfiltered.” He is planning to reach out to WNBA leadership, including Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Executive Director Sue Branch, because of the severe treatment Clark has endured.

In a game where the Fever fell short against the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 111-109, Clark was allegedly punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas after a scuffle. To complicate matters, no foul was called initially, and Clark exited the game due to the injury she sustained.

Thomas later received a flagrant foul 2 for her actions and was suspended. Dakich further criticized the WNBA, arguing that it suffers from a lack of qualified officials, similar to issues seen in college basketball and the NFL, but highlighted that the WNBA is particularly affected.

He suggested that the officiating bias is apparent, especially in decisions made during games involving players like Clark. “If there are unqualified officials in the WNBA, we should really address it,” he stated, pointing out the need for accountability.

Adding to his concerns, Dakich questioned the silence of Fever’s chief operating officer, Amber Cox, on this issue, contrasting it with supportive gestures from the coach, Stephanie White. He expressed confusion as to why there hasn’t been stronger, vocal support for Clark from the league’s leadership.

“They seem scared of backlash, of being labeled as racist, which has become such a big issue,” Dakich remarked. It’s puzzling, really. Do they care more about perception than the welfare of the player?” he added.

He proposed that Fever’s management encourage players to step up and defend Clark, possibly even clearing the benches in future games. “If I were coaching, I wouldn’t let these actions slide. Someone needs to step up,” he said, suggesting a more aggressive approach to protecting teammates.

Looking ahead, Clark will miss the Fever’s upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks. This season, the Fever currently stands at 10-8, with Clark contributing significantly before her injury, averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in her appearances.