Caitlin Clark condemns 'harassment' as WNBA players face surge of online threats

Caitlin Clark has seen enough of the social media hatred that she, her Fever teammates, coaches and opposing WNBA players get.

"I've said up here and said before, the harassment, the hate, none of that is OK," Clark said at practice Friday "That goes for the opposing team we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches. There should never be question of character. None of that is OK, and I don't want anybody to ever experience that."

The WNBA has gotten a lot more attention the past few seasons with the addition of Clark and Angel Reese among others to the league. A multi-billion dollar media rights deal, million dollar salaries and higher attendance have been the positives. An increase of social media vitriol toward players and teams has been the negative.

Social media hatred is nothing new and isn't just directed toward the WNBA and its players. It's been going on for more than a decade toward the league and its players. However, it has gotten worse lately with players and coaches receiving threats for things that happen on the court.

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said Tuesday that she received death threats and had been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Clark's throat in last week's matchup against Indiana.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement on Tuesday condemning "any and all forms of hate."

The WNBA has been trying to do what it can to make the players feel more protected and combat its social media problem.

The league has made a major push with security over the past few seasons. Teams travel with more security on the road and there are enhanced protocols at arenas, hotels and when traveling. Franchises now