WNBA: Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Calls for Action After Caitlin Clark's Assault

The Chicago Tribune editorial board has condemned the hip-check foul by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, calling it "an assault" and demanding action from the league.

The Chicago Tribune editorial board has unleashed a scathing attack on the WNBA following the hip-check foul by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, branding it an "assault" and demanding action from the league to protect its players.

In a full-throated defense of Clark, the editorial board likened Carter's foul to a criminal act. "Outside of a sporting contest, it would have been seen as an assault," the piece reads. "Even within a sporting context, it was bad: before the ball even was inbounded, Carter came up from behind Clark, shoving her at the hip and knocking her over."

The editorial board's condemnation extended beyond Carter's actions, accusing the league of failing to adequately protect Clark, who has faced a barrage of racially tinged animosity since entering the WNBA. "The WNBA chews her up and spits her out because it is too afraid of being called racist to protect her from racially tinged animosity," the piece reads. "It will have done a huge disservice to its own game, now at a major inflection point, thanks in no small measure to, yes, Clark."

The board also called on experienced WNBA players to take a stand against such behavior. "It's also incumbent among the experienced WNBA players to nip this nonsense in the bud, before it's too late," the piece urges.

In response to the outcry, Carter claimed to have no complaints about the fallout from the foul. However, Chicago head coach Teresa Weatherspoon acknowledged the inappropriateness of her player's actions. "Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are," Weatherspoon stated.

The WNBA has yet to take any official action against Carter or the Sky organization. However, the league has been under increasing pressure to address the issue of player safety, particularly in light of Clark's ordeal.

The editorial board's intervention has further amplified the debate and raised questions about the WNBA's commitment to protecting its players from both physical and verbal abuse. As the league continues to gain popularity and prominence, it will face further scrutiny over its ability to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for its athletes.