Caitlin Clark finally breaks her week-long silence after being punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas

WNBA star Caitlin Clark went scorched earth on the WNBA saying it needs to improve in numerous categories, including officiating, stopping hate, and more.

Caitlin Clark has finally broken her silence on the punch to the throat by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.

While speaking to the media on Friday morning, Clark opened her lengthy five-minute statement by saying, "First of all, I know what you’re going to ask, and I did think it was a flagrant foul. Our reffing just needs to be better." Clark then gave the officials some grace stating that "it’s one of the hardest jobs in the world."

The conversation about protecting players, specifically, has been a heavily debated topic and to that Clark said, "The league has to do better protecting our players."

To the specific foul from Thomas, Clark made a definitive statement. "I don’t think it was up for debate… You can go back and watch the clip. I think it was straight forward."

LISA LESLIE SAYS WNBA OFFICIALS 'GOT TO DO BETTER' AFTER ALYSSA THOMAS SHOVED FIST INTO CAITLIN CLARK'S THROAT

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

This response could be seen as a subtle jab at Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts and ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike. Ogwumike claimed, "When narratives are created based off of a freeze-frame, that can create a huge problem. The league was reacting to the optics of that image." Tibbetts claimed something similar when he spoke to the media. "The goal is to clean up our game, but I do think it’s important not to rely on social