In the face of mounting criticism, players of the Indiana Fever are staunchly defending rookie standout Caitlin Clark against a storm of opinions suggesting they are failing to shield their star player. The top pick in the latest WNBA Draft has been subjected to intense physical play, igniting debates about her teammates’ protective measures.
Kelsey Mitchell, a key figure in the team, directly addressed these criticisms following a recent practice session. “Ultimately, not only is she human, but she’s also a 22-year-old kid,” Mitchell asserted.
“There are certain things that she’s going to go through over time. Our responsibility as a team is to ensure she feels mentally and physically safe, obviously. We want her to feel at home all the time,” Mitchell emphasized.
The criticism escalated after a contentious incident involving Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter. During a heated match, Carter shoved Clark to the floor, and the Fever players faced backlash for their slow response and perceived lack of retaliation against Carter’s actions. Angel Reese and other Sky members even applauded the cheap shot, showcasing the stark differences between the teams’ reactions.
Coach Sides Steps In to Defend Her Squad
Reacting to the criticism, the Fever took a brief respite following a taxing schedule, celebrating teammate Grace Berger’s birthday with a boat outing before resuming rigorous practice sessions.
Coach Christie Sides weighed in on the matter, clarifying that the team’s reaction was not from a lack of concern but rather from not witnessing the incident. “I think you saw it in the Seattle game. Vivians and Caitlin got tangled up a bit and you see our team step in… I think it was just a situation where no one saw it happen,” Sides explained.
Adding to the narrative, seasoned WNBA player Angel McCoughtry has voiced her willingness to join the Indiana Fever to bolster Clark’s protection. Renowned for her tough approach during her tenure with the Atlanta Dream, McCoughtry’s potential addition to the team could provide the defensive boost the Fever are seeking.
As the Fever gear up for their next game against the Mystics, all attention will be on their response to any further incidents involving their rookie star. Kelsey Mitchell’s vow to safeguard Clark will surely be tested, as fans and critics closely observe if the team’s actions align with their words.