Clark 'a political football' says NBA chief Silver

Clark 'a political football' says NBA chief SilverImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Clark was the number one pick in the 2024 draft ByKeifer MacDonaldBBC Sport journalistPublished5 minutes agoIndiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become a "political football" in the United States and the debate around fouls against the player are "not largely about officiating", NBA commissioner Adam Silver says.Clark, 24, has become one of the biggest draws in the WNBA since being drafted by the Fever in 2024.As a result, there has been a lot of attention paid to the way Clark is treated by opposing teams and the tactics they employ to try to limit her impact during games.Last month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a retrospective one-game ban and a $1,000 (£743) fine for appearing to knee Clark in the groin and push her fist into her neck during a tussle for possession.It led to Fever coach Stephanie White labelling the officiating of games involving Clark in the WNBA as "egregious" and "utterly disrespectful", while Thomas said the incident with the 2024 Rookie of the Year led to her receiving death threats and racist abuse.A group of 11 Republican lawmakers then sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert asking the league to take "accountability" and expressing concern that "attacks against Clark may be racially motivated".Political commentators on the right have also weighed in, suggesting the treatment of Clark is rooted in racism and jealousy.Speaking as part of a panel at an event in New York, Silver said the debates surrounding Clark had become about broader political and cultural issues in the United States rather than basketball alone."That particular incident is not about whether a foul should have been called at the time of the game or whether that was ultimately a flagrant non-review," said Silver."I've come to know Caitlin really well. She's an i...