She’s Just at the Center of It: The Caitlin Clark Debate and the Evolution of the WNBA [Video]

Tuesday night, the Indiana Fever secured a dominant 88-71 win over the Connecticut Sun. In the third quarter, second-year star guard Caitlin Clark was poked in the eye by Jacy Sheldon. Clark instinctively shoved Sheldon in response, prompting Marina Mabrey to deliver a late push that sent Clark to the ground.

Video

The altercation resulted in two technical fouls and Clark being awarded three free throws. Another incident occurred with 45 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when Sophie Cunningham committed a hard foul on Sheldon, triggering a shoving match involving Cunningham, Sheldon, and Lindsay Allen.

Things were HEATED between the Sun and Fever tonight 😳

-Caitlin Clark T’d up
-Marina Mabrey T’d up
-Jacy Sheldon assessed flagrant
-Sophie Cunningham ejected pic.twitter.com/CUnso6z4a9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 18, 2025

All three players were ejected from the game. The level of aggression seen that night is uncommon in WNBA matchups. Some fans argue that Clark endures more physical abuse during gameplay than other rookies or first-year players. As a transcendent talent, some believe that level of attention comes with the territory.

Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho addressed the controversy on FS1’s morning show “The Facility.”

“If you are ever trying to ascend to becoming a star, or if you are a star, you’re going to have a target on your back,” Acho said, responding to claims that Clark is being targeted. He referenced former players who once challenged greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

“I think competition breeds excellence. I believe the 144—that’s the women in the WNBA—are pushing the level of competition even higher, and Caitlin Clark is right at the center of it.”

That’s the price you pay when you’re great. Take a look at the video or Acho this morning on the Facility below.

Should Cailtin Clark have a target on her back? @EmmanuelAcho weighs in:

“If you’re ever trying to ascend into becoming a star or are a star, you’re going to have a target on your back.” pic.twitter.com/m9qcmyZkme

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) June 18, 2025