Paul, Paige Spiranac, and Emmanuel Acho weigh in on physical play in Fever's narrow win
Jake Paul has entered the fray following a heated WNBA match whereCaitlin Clark was taken down during the Indiana Fever's nail-biting 71-70 win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday. The boxing influencer tweeted, "WNBA needs to fix this before players and people get hurt," aligning with thousands of furious fans demanding action.
Clark, a former NCAA National Champion and the Fever's top draft pick, was targeted in the third period of the game. As she awaited an inbound pass, Chennedy Carter of the Sky blindsided her, shoving her to the floor. The altercation overshadowed what should have been a celebration of Indiana's second win of the season and Clark's first home victory.
The incident didn't go unnoticed. Golf influencer and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Paige Spiranac took to X, writing, "Imagine bringing millions of new fans to the game which in turn will make every player more money and yet they treat you like this. A rising tide lifts all boats."
FS1 host and former NFL star Emmanuel Acho also criticized Carter's actions. "Athletes are some of the most arrogant people on the planet, it often takes that attitude of arrogance to excel," he tweeted. "However, when arrogance isn't being fed, it gives birth to envy, and the envy of Caitlin Clark is undeniable. Let's not gaslight fans & tell them it doesn't exist."
Clark shines despite physical play, breaks new record
Despite the rough treatment, Clark shone on the court, contributing 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to the Fever's victory. She joins Sabrina Ionescu as the only players in WNBA history to rack up over 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in their first 10 games.
Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana's scoring with 18 points, while Carter topped the Sky with 19 points. Angel Reese, another former NCAA National Champion, added eight points and 13 rebounds for the Sky.
Addressing the incident post-game, Clark remained composed. "It is what it is," she said. Carter, however, was less forthcoming, saying, "I ain't answering no Caitlin Clark questions."
This latest confrontation comes on the heels of Clark's remarks about the physicality she has faced since joining the WNBA. After a recent loss to the Seattle Storm, she expressed frustration, saying, "I feel like I'm getting hammered, I don't know."
As the debate over player safety and conduct continues, the WNBA finds itself at a crossroads, with fans and players alike calling for decisive action to ensure the integrity and safety of the game.
