WNBA star Jonquel Jones has firmly dismissed claims that there was a targeted bullying campaign against Caitlin Clark during her remarkable rookie season. Clark, the sensational No. 1 draft pick for the Indiana Fever, made a huge impact in her debut year, taking the WNBA by storm.
She delivered an outstanding season that earned her the Rookie of the Year honors, though her campaign ultimately ended in early playoff heartbreak. The former Iowa Hawkeye brought a new level of excitement to women’s basketball, showcasing her talent and drawing widespread attention to the league.
Clark’s rapid rise, however, did not come without its challenges. Throughout the season, she was frequently the target of intense defensive pressure from opposing teams, and on several occasions, she found herself on the receiving end of some brutal hits. Many fans and observers began to speculate that the physical play was a result of jealousy towards Clark, whose meteoric rise had quickly turned her into one of the brightest young stars in the sport.
However, Jonquel Jones, the WNBA Finals MVP who led the New York Liberty to a championship victory, has denied any claims that there was a concerted effort by players to bully Clark. According to Jones, the physical treatment Clark received was simply part of the competitive nature of professional basketball and not a personal vendetta.
Speaking on the “Kickin It With Dee” podcast, Jones addressed the narrative that had been circulating on social media. “I think it was awkward for me, like, you would go on social media and you would just see people pushing narratives that just weren’t true,” Jones said. “We’re going out there to compete hard every night… it’s our job, and we’re athletes.”
Jones emphasized that there was no ill will towards Clark from WNBA players. “It wasn’t that we, the WNBA players, were trying to bully Caitlin Clark. It was just the fact that we’re going to go out here, we’re going to hoop,” she said. “It was never about her personally or trying to attack her; it was just about us going out there. The best sign of respect you could get from an opponent is them coming out there and playing you hard.”
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The narrative of targeted bullying gained traction due to several high-profile incidents involving Clark. One of the first notable hits came during a game against the Chicago Sky when Chennedy Carter delivered a hard shove that sent Clark to the ground. Carter, who later explained that she acted after being hit in the head moments earlier, also appeared to shout an insult at Clark before knocking her down.
Another incident occurred in June, when Clark’s former college rival, Angel Reese, struck her in the head with a wild forearm during a game. Their rivalry had been well-documented since their college days, and the incident added fuel to the fire for those who believed there was animosity toward Clark in the league.
In that same game, as Clark drove toward the basket, Dana Evans of the Chicago Sky used her arm to hook and hold Clark, stopping her momentum. When Clark gestured toward the referee for a foul, Evans threw her arm away and appeared to say something to Clark, flashing a smile in her direction.
Yet another incident took place in September, when DiJonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun delivered a poke to Clark’s face, leaving her with a black eye. Despite these physical encounters, Clark continued to shine on the court, showing resilience and determination through it all.
Clark finished her rookie season with impressive statistics, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and leading the league with 8.4 assists per game. Her remarkable contributions were instrumental in helping the Fever reach the postseason, marking the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2016.
Looking ahead, Clark will be playing under new leadership next season. Earlier this month, it was announced that Stephanie White would take over as head coach of the Indiana Fever, replacing Christie Sides. Sides led the Fever to a 20-20 record and their first playoff appearance in years, but the franchise opted for a change to build on their progress.
White brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent time as the head coach of the Connecticut Sun and previously serving on the Fever’s coaching staff from 2011-2016. During her tenure with the Fever, White was part of the staff that helped the team win the WNBA title in 2012.
Clark’s journey through her rookie season has been filled with ups and downs, but her ability to persevere through the physicality and challenges has only added to her growing legend.
Jonquel Jones’ comments serve as a reminder that the heightened level of competition Clark faced is a testament to her abilities and the respect she has already earned in the league. As she moves into her sophomore season under the guidance of Stephanie White, the future looks bright for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
