Overview: Culture Wars on the Court
Op-ed contributor A.R. Shaw dives into the political storm surrounding WNBA officiating, examining how routine plays are being used by lawmakers to spark racially charged rhetoric against Black players and disrupt the league's momentum.
Caitlin Clark is more than a WNBA player; she has become a tool of weaponization against Black women. And now the federal government is involved.
Led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, 11 Republican lawmakers signed a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening a Department of Justice investigation into the league because fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.”
“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation,” the letter stated. “If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.”
The letter creates a false narrative and is irresponsible and dangerous. Stephanie Christmas, a former women’s basketball player at Georgia Southern University and WNBA fan since its inaugural 1997 season, said she has never seen politicians use their platforms to sway the league’s direction. “If you want only one player to play the game, that’s not basketball anymore,” Christmas said. “I don’t think that they should be putting any legislation in place. They are making it worse for the players and the WNBA game.”
The people using Clark as a tool couldn’t care less what happens between the lines. Statistically, Clark is a decent shooter and above-average passer but a liability on defense. Her most staunch defenders are not basketball enthusiasts; they view her as a symbol to further their hatred for Black women.
During a June matchup between the Fever and Phoenix Mercury, Alyssa Thomas’ arm briefly pressed against Clark’s neck during a scramble for a loose ball. No foul was called on the play, but Thomas was assessed a flagrant foul 2 and suspended one game the following day amid public outcry. Clark’s supporters responded by aiming racial slurs and death threats at Thomas, who called out Engelbert for staying silent. “It’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent,” Thomas said. “That’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.” Engelbert responded only after Thomas spoke publicly, saying the league “vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate.”
Weeks later, Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces faced similar racial animus after a routine foul call went against Clark, despite replay showing Gray never initiated contact. Gray later posted a screenshot of a man using a racial slur against her; he was fired from his job within days. “Enough is kind of enough,” Gray said. “These messages are not the first time.”
Clark has issued statements condemning the harassment aimed at both Thomas and, in 2025, Angel Reese. “None of that is OK,” she said of Thomas’ treatment. But Christmas said statements aren’t enough. “I would like for her to have addressed her fans,” Christmas said. โThey’re making threats, and they’re making racist comments… I would like to see her confront her fans when she observes them attacking certain individuals on the court.โ
Clark never asked to become a symbol for those who target Black women. But the question remains whether she is doing enough to distance herself from that role. The Caitlin Clark experience has become a microcosm of America’s divided political atmosphere, an inescapable stain on a league that fought for years to earn the interest and respect it now has.
This op-ed appeared first in Black Press USA. It has been edited for style and length. For the original, visit https://blackpressusa.com/oped-how-black-wnba-players-became-collateral-in-the-caitlin-clark-culture-war/.