The View" Co-Hosts Defend Caitlin Clark's Flagrant Foul: "This is Basketball!

"The View" co-hosts defended the flagrant foul against Caitlin Clark on Monday, arguing it was all part of the game. They emphasized that physical play is common in basketball and that Clark's high profile should not shield her from the intensity of the sport.

"The View" co-hosts have vehemently defended the flagrant foul committed against star rookie Caitlin Clark, arguing that physical play is an inherent part of basketball. The hosts dismissed suggestions that Clark was unfairly targeted due to her popularity, emphasizing that all players in the WNBA face similar levels of physicality.

"Let's be realistic, OK? This is basketball, OK?" co-host Whoopi Goldberg stated unequivocally. "This happens in basketball all the time." Goldberg dismissed the notion that Clark's foul was excessive, reminding viewers that similar incidents occur throughout the league.

Co-host Sunny Hostin emphasized the physical nature of basketball, reminding viewers that it is a "contact sport." She acknowledged that Clark's foul was a "flagrant foul," but emphasized that it was not unusual in the context of the sport. Hostin also highlighted a previous flagrant foul committed by Connecticut Sun player Alyssa Thomas against Angel Reese, indicating that such incidents are not isolated to Clark.

Co-host Ana Navarro echoed comments made by Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, stating that the foul should not be construed as an attack on Clark's race. "Let's not make this about race, it's about basketball," Navarro said. She emphasized that physicality is common in the WNBA regardless of a player's skin color.

Clark's status as the first overall draft pick and her exceptional college career have made her a highly visible figure in the WNBA. However, "The View" co-hosts argued that her popularity should not exempt her from the physicality that all players experience in the league.

The discussion on "The View" also highlighted the need for increased coverage of the WNBA. Co-host Sunny Hostin noted that the show has only recently begun discussing the league, emphasizing the importance of giving women's basketball a platform.

The co-hosts criticized the media coverage surrounding Clark's foul, suggesting that it was sensationalized and exaggerated. They argued that such coverage reinforces negative stereotypes about women's sports.

Despite their defense of the foul, the "The View" co-hosts praised Clark's talent and resilience. They expressed confidence that she would use the experience to improve and grow as a player.

"The View" co-hosts presented a nuanced perspective on the flagrant foul against Caitlin Clark. They acknowledged the physicality of basketball, dismissed accusations of unfair treatment, and highlighted the need for increased coverage of women's sports.