As the debate over Caitlin Clark’s treatment by the WNBA continues, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III delivered a strong message criticizing the league’s handling of its biggest star.
Clark exited Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury in the third quarter after suffering a back injury. Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat and was later given a one-game suspension.
Following the league’s decision, Griffin shared a lengthy statement on social media, arguing that the WNBA has repeatedly failed to protect Clark despite her impact on the sport.
“The WNBA has completely mismanaged its biggest star in Caitlin Clark and it’s sad to see,” Griffin wrote.
He acknowledged that Clark was not solely responsible for the league’s growth. He wrote:
“Caitlin Clark didn’t do it alone and there are a number of current and former players who helped pave and maintain the way, but Caitlin Clark has been the primary catalyst for the WNBA’s new media rights deal, new CBA, having to move games to bigger arenas, getting private chartered flights and so much more.”
“What Alyssa Thomas did to Caitlin Clark was not about basketball,” Griffin added. “It was a cheap shot. It was dirty. It was done on purpose.”
According to Griffin, improving officiating would not only protect Clark but also benefit every player in the league.
WNBA Is Being Overshadowed Amid Controversies, Says RGIII
Robert Griffin detailed several accomplishments in the WNBA. He highlighted Marina Mabrey tying the league’s single-game scoring record with 53 points for the Toronto Tempo; rookie Olivia Miles breaking Clark and Paige Bueckers’ record as the fastest player to reach 300 points and 100 assists; and Angel Reese becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to collect 1,000 rebounds.
Griffin argued these record-breaking feats have been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy around Clark.
“The facts today still show that far too many people are making things in the WNBA about race or sexuality and not the results,” he wrote.
He concluded by urging fans to focus on basketball rather than identity-based debates.
“Right & wrong has no color… Don’t pick sides based on the color of a player’s skin or their sexuality. Let’s just talk basketball.”
Meanwhile, Fever head coach Stephanie White said there is currently “no indication” regarding when Clark will return from her latest back injury. However, Indiana will benefit from a week-long break following Saturday’s game against the LA Sparks before resuming its schedule on July 5.
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