WNBA analyst Jason Whitlock slammed Caitlin Clark for interacting with referees during the Indiana Fever’s 84-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. Clark was injured and in street clothes. However, just before halftime, Lexie Hull’s buzzer-beater was initially waived off, and Clark walked up to the referee to complain that it should be allowed. The officials reviewed it and overturned their decision.
Referring to that incident, Whitlock called out Clark for her “ridiculous” focus on refereeing, even when she wasn’t playing. The analyst also mentioned the viral incident between Clark and her father, Brent, from March 2024, when he yelled at her to stop going at the referees during the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 91-65 first-round win over Holy Cross in the NCAA Tournament.
“This is something since college that has driven me and her father, crazy,” he said on Monday on his show. “You can’t argue to me that her father’s not rooting for it. But he was yelling like, ‘Hey, leave the refs alone and shut up.’ And that’s what I think a lot of times when I’m watching Caitlin Clark. She’s put a focus on the refereeing that is ridiculous.”
Whitlock added that the focus on refereeing wasn’t noticeable for much of the game, crediting Clark’s absence. However, he thought the only time it hit the spotlight was during Clark’s second-quarter incident with the official.
Indiana Fever continue to shine without Caitlin Clark
The Indiana Fever’s streak of winning games at a high rate in Caitlin Clark’s absence seems to have carried over to this season. Last year, Clark only played 13 regular-season games, but Indiana still made the playoffs and reached the semifinals, facing the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces. The Fever were one overtime win away from heading to the WNBA finals.
This season, the Fever are 3-0 in Clark’s absence, recording blowout wins each time. On May 20, they beat the Portland Fire 90-73 behind a 24-point, eight-rebound game from Aliyah Boston.
On Jun. 27, the Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 111-87. Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 26 points, shooting 9-for-13, while three others scored in double digits. On Sunday, Mitchell and Boston combined to blow the Aces away.
Mitchell had 27 points on 7-for-18 shooting, including 3-for-4 from three-point range. Boston finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-13 shots.
Caitlin Clark’s next chance to suit up will be on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Read more:
- USA Soccer Legend Alex Morgan Heaps Massive Praise on Caitlin Clark’s Career Achievements
- Fever Fans Divided on Caitlin Clark’s Value After Blowout Wins Against Kelsey Plum-Less Sparks, A’ja Wilson-Less Aces
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