Republican lawmakers demand WNBA answer on Caitlin Clark

A group of Republican members of Congress has formally demanded answers from the WNBA regarding the league's handling of physical play directed at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. In a letter sent to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on July 8, the lawmakers argued the league has failed to adequately protect its most prominent player from what they described as "unnecessary physical hostility and violence."

Led by Representative August Pfluger of Texas, the letter states that Clark, who has driven record television ratings and attracted new sponsors, is being subjected to repeated excessive contact that goes beyond routine competition. The lawmakers cited specific incidents where Clark has been "hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games." They pointed to a June 24 game against the Phoenix Mercury where Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark's throat during a loose-ball scramble, an incident that was not called a flagrant foul during the game but was later upgraded by the league to a Flagrant Foul 2, resulting in a one-game suspension and fine for Thomas.

The congressional letter poses three direct questions to the WNBA, asking about the league's review...