Chicago Paper Calls Out Sky for Fouls Against Caitlin Clark In Loss to Fever
Caitlin Clark lit up the Chicago Sky in an Indiana Fever win, putting to bed the idea of any WNBA Rookie of the Year race in the process. But she also took some hard fouls en route to the rout.
Clark was on the receiving end of two flagrants, one from Michaela Onyenwere on a reckless closeout. And the other, which will receive far more attention, on a shoulder check from Diamond DeShields.
Caitlin Clark got laid out for the 2nd game in a row pic.twitter.com/GxqPwPZf7n
— WNBA Rookie Watch (@WNBARookieWatch) August 31, 2024
The DeShields collision is sure to cause conversation since it was one of many fouls the Sky player committed on Clark in succession, and given the contact was unnecessary. Though that didn't stop Diamond's teammate Angel Reese from complaining about the whistle Clark receives.
The play even made it on the cover of the sports section. In Chicago. The Sun-Times chose an image of DeShields colliding with Clark complete with the headline, "Foul Ball".
The piece itself wasn't overly critical, but the way it was framed certainly garnered engagement. Especially since it came from the hometown publication. X user QuinThomasx wrote "The Chicago media hate the Sky…." right below the paper's social media post.
The Chicago media hate the Sky….
— Quin (@QuinThomasx) August 31, 2024
Of course anything related to the matchups between Clark and Reese tends to be blown up, as the foul in question was just one subplot of the blowout.
Clark took the play in stride, removing herself from the situation immediately. Likely to avoid risking a technical and a possible future suspension. She was removed from the game moments later, but not before gesturing to the road crowd.
on the road hyping up the crowd after running the home team out the building. And people said Caitlin Clark wasn’t a dawg lmfaooo pic.twitter.com/zyWpaXC6LQ
— correlation (@nosyone4) August 31, 2024
The announcers remarked, "Is this enemy territory?" in that moment given the ovation Caitlin received. A sentiment many would say was backed up by what was put in print.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!