Chris Evert Criticizes WNBA Over Caitlin Clark Game Alterations

Tennis legend Chris Evert has vocally defended WNBA star Caitlin Clark following a heated game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun marked by physical altercations, including Clark being poked in the eye and shoved to the ground. Evert criticized the lack of sportsmanship and the WNBA's handling of the incidents, emphasizing Clark's significance to women's basketball and calling the game's conduct a 'bad look' for the sport. Despite technical fouls and a flagrant foul being issued, no immediate ejections occurred during the key incidents, prompting further criticism from Evert and sports journalist Christine Brennan, who highlighted the league's failure to protect Clark. The controversy has sparked divided reactions among fans, with some defending Clark's competitive nature while others supported Evert's stance on the physicality faced by Clark. Clark's prominence in the league is underscored by her Rookie of the Year award, WNBA All-Star selection, and being named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year, though some figures like Sheila Johnson have questioned this recognition. Fever coach Stephanie White called for better officiating to control such heated matchups, as Clark and her team focus on their upcoming games.