Sports analyst Jason Whitlock commented on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark‘s latest incident with the referees.
In the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark argued with one of the officials. In the play before the heated conversation, she drove to the basket and was met at the rim by Valkyries center Kiah Stokes.
The Fever star limped and appeared to be in pain after the collision. In the next dead ball, she charged to one of the officials to argue the no-call.
In a clip of his “Fearless” podcast shared on X on Friday, Whitlock referenced NBA legend Kobe Bryant in his reaction to Clark’s latest antics with the referees.
“Kobe has something called the ‘Mamba Mentality,'” Whitlock said. “Caitlin has her own mentality too: the ‘Menstrual Mentality.’ … About once a month, she’s gonna snap. Her hormones are gonna go off and she’s gonna snap on these referees.”
Whitlock added that “there was no miscall.” Clark has repeatedly criticized WNBA officiating and has pleaded for more consistency.
In a game on June 24, no foul was called when Alyssa Thomas’ fist made contact with Clark’s throat. That incident was much discussed and had ignited debates on the league’s alleged treatment of the former Rookie of the Year.
Caitlin Clark says she was hit in the quad, calls for better officiating anew
In her postgame availability on Wednesday, Caitlin Clark discussed the incident that led to her heated exchange with one of the referees.
“I got kneed right in the quad,” Clark said. “That hurts. The ref can’t miss that. Then I have to play with a contusion in my leg the rest of the game. It’s ridiculous, can’t miss calls like that. … [The ref] said I initiated the contact, which is fine, but you can’t knee me in the leg, knock me over.”
On Wednesday, the Fever lost 88-75 to the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark played 26 minutes and finished with 13 points and six assists on 4-for-14 shooting, including 1-for-8 from 3-point range.
With the loss, the Fever dropped to 14-10, tied with the Atlanta Dream for the No. 5 spot in the WNBA. Indiana will return to action on Friday against the Seattle Storm.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
