“Bald guy hates Caitlin” – WNBA fans call out referees for Caitlin Clark’s controversial backcourt violation
WNBA fans react to controversial call made against Caitlin Clark (Photo credits: IMAGN)
The referees for the Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream contest received backlash following a controversial call on Caitlin Clark. The foul occurred when Clark brought the ball across halfcourt, with teammate NaLyssa Smith following behind her.
Clark then passed the ball to the trailing Smith, who jumped forward to catch the ball to avoid a backcourt violation. However, the refs still blew a whistle for a backcourt violation, giving Clark a turnover.
WNBA fans were livid about the call. Some even implied the referees hate Clark, thus the controversial whistles.
“Bald guy hates CC,” one person said.
“The @WNBA officials are garbage and they seem to have a unique axe to grind against Caitlin and the Fever,” another person claimed.
“The ref show really seems to have it out for her,” one fan commented.
Meanwhile, other fans sat on their arm-chair referee sofas while sharing their opinions about the turnover.
“Worst refs always calling BS on Fever!!! It’s game-changing for them!!! NaLyssa clearly catches the ball over the half court line. Sides needs to question almost every call!” One fan said.
“The receiver of the pass must establish a position with both feet in the front court before catching the ball. Looks like a good call from the picture,” another commented.
“It really was a violation, though. That pass was delivered before Nalyssa established position in the half court. Ticky tack, sure, but the right call.” One fan added.
The much-discussed violation occurred in a close game with 2:11 left in the first half. The Dream led the Fever by three when it happened, resulting in Caitlin Clark’s fourth turnover.
Caitlin Clark was also whistled for a controversial offensive foul
Before the backcourt violation, which resulted in a Caitlin Clark turnover, she was whistled for an offensive foul that prompted fans to admonish the officials.
During the sequence, Clark drove to the rim with Jordin Canada guarding her. As Clark passed her, part of her hand appeared to make contact with Canada’s face, resulting in an offensive foul.
The Indiana Fever rookie turned the ball over nine times against Atlanta. However, she also scored 26 points and dished 12 assists, which helped her team overcome those miscues. The Fever won Sunday’s contest 104-100.
