Caitlin Clark Reveals She Ruptured Ear Drum Running Into Screen Against Liberty

Robin Lundberg | Jun 21, 2024

Jacob Musselman/ For IndyStar / USA

Caitlin Clark has run into some mean screens this season. A couple of which came against the New York Liberty. The first was on May 18th in New York courtesy of Breanna Stewart, turning Caitlin into a meme.

Caitlin Clark running into a Breanna Stewart screen 😬 pic.twitter.com/F6coOKcet5

— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 18, 2024

But it was the collision she had with Jonquel Jones on June 2nd that did more damage. Clark said she actually ruptured her ear drum on that play when talking to the media and discussing her welcome to the league moments.

“I've been popped on a couple screens, actually ruptured my eardrum in New York on a flex screen … they’re great screens, I just didn’t hear them, so it’s kind of my own fault.”

I was in attendance at Barclays for that contest with my daughter and let out an audible gasp when watching that take place in real time, as it was clear Caitlin did not see the contact coming and was rocked hard.

Caitlin Clark on her “Welcome to the W” moment:

“I actually ruptured my ear drum when we were in New York on a tough screen….great screens, I just didn’t hear them. So, it’s kind of my own fault.”

(Q: @3ptCnvrsn) #WNBA pic.twitter.com/XBJFUJ0wZt

— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) June 21, 2024

Clark could be seen motioning to the side of her face afterward and checking in with the sideline. She eventually departed the game with what was dubbed an "ear injury". It probably happened at a good time for Clark and the Indiana Fever as that was their 11th game in 20 days and was followed by an extended rest.

Caitlin Clark revealed in an interview that she ruptured an eardrum running into a screen against the New York Liberty

“great screens, I just didn’t hear them. So, it’s kind of my own fault.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/l8tuV6sL1b

— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) June 21, 2024

The plays in question were not dirty but were certainly very physical in nature and it seems the rookie star has adjusted nicely since. Her team is in the midst of a winning streak that has seen them post a league best offensive efficiency, as Caitlin is now rolling instead of being on the receiving end of screens.