The latest on-court attack on Caitlin Clark might be the biggest yet, and possibly the point where a line was finally drawn.
Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas shoved her fist into the point guard’s neck before stepping over her on the ground, and the play was initially not called: a review of the play resulted in a Flagrant 2 and a one-game suspension.
But the foul drew the ire of Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who said Clark gets the “thug treatment” in the WNBA and called him “pathetic.”
OUTKICK DAY SPORTS CARTOONS: THE LAST ATTACK ON CAITLIN CLARK
Representative Tim Burchett speaks to reporters after a closed-door briefing by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at the House Oversight Committee in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. (Getty Images)
“I think it’s garbage. They beat it up. The WNBA has an opportunity for women to take it to the next level, and they’re just abusing it…” Burchett told TMZ Sports.
“It’s supposed to be a physical game, not a wrestling match. Take it to the professional wrestling association.”
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas fights to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Burchett also said that “something is up” regarding Clark not being on a promotional poster for the WNBA’s 30th anniversary, even though Clark’s games resulted in record attendance and viewership.
“I think something’s going on, I think everyone knows what’s going on. And they’re going to lose,” Burchett said, before making a bold prediction.
“Some European league will bring her in and they’ll pay her and she’ll retire and everyone will fly back in economy class.”
The Mercury even posted a message on social media that appeared to mock Clark’s work, including a cartoon player lying on the ground with the caption: “WANT A PIECE OF THIS?!?”
The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for committing a Flagrant Foul 2 against Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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The post appeared to be a play on DeWanna Bonner’s name. Bonner, of course, is now with Mercury after a brief stint with Fever last season, and the two teams have already had plenty of tension this week.
