"Every elite player gets tested" - Journalist equates Caitlin Clark's situation to Michael Jordan's over 'bullying' claims 

By Arhaan Raje

Modified Sep 17, 2024 05:34 GMT

Journalist Demetria Obilor isn't a fan of narratives around Caitlin Clark's conduct on the court. She urged fans to avoid 'babying Caitlin,' insinuating she isn't soft. Obilor cited Clark's trash-talking on the court, suggesting she's strong enough to handle the ill-treatments on the court like shoulder bumps and more.

Obilor compared Clark's situation to Michael Jordan's when he first came into the league, saying it is part of the process of the greats to be 'tested.'

"Caitlin Clark is not soft," Obilor said on her show on Monday's episode. "She talks a whole lot of trash. She gets at it.

"Every elite player gets tested. [Michael] Jordan is the best example. And it's part of the reason he will forever be the greatest to ever do it because it was just tougher back then. You know the old heads' argument, you know what people say ..."

"This is the grown women's league, and these are some big girls, they can take it. Not everybody is bullying Caitlin Clark, this is part of the game."

Caitlin Clark has frequently been at the receiving end of rough fouls. As of August 31, Clark was subject to 17% of fouls committed across the league, including five flagrant fouls (13.8% of all players).

The rookie sensation's style of play, quickness and shooting ability make her a tough cover for guards, prompting them to be more physical. The fouls have become controversial, seeing Clark's supporters express their discontent online, which Demetria Obilor has seemingly opposed.

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Caitlin Clark avoids suspension amid technical foul trouble

Caitlin Clark's rookie season has been highlighted for multiple reasons. Her technical foul trouble is among those things. Clark has faced tremendous physicality every night from opposition defenders, and the calls haven't always gone her way. That has led to the Fever rookie issuing six technical fouls this year.

Clark was one technical away from a suspension before Sunday's contest against the Dallas Wings. She successfully avoided facing disciplinary action, allowing her to play in the Fever's regular-season finale against the Washington Mystics on Thursday night.

She sounded relieved after managing to get through the game without a tech on Sunday, saying (h/t Chloe Peterson on X):

"I don't want to be getting technicals at all and my mom doesn't want that for me, either. And I don't want to pay any more fines, either. So I'm done with that."

Clark came close to drawing the suspension-forcing seventh technical foul after an argument with the refs against the Wings, but her teammates calmed her down to take control of the situation.