Caitlin Clark WNBA letter could lead to DOJ investigation, congressman says Katie Pavlich Fri, July 10, 2026 at 2:02 PM UTC 1.1K (NewsNation) — A Republican congressman who signed a letter demanding the WNBA address the treatment of star Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark said Thursday the league could face a federal investigation if Commissioner Cathy Engelbert doesn’t act. Rep. Mark Alford, RMo.
Caitlin Clark WNBA letter could lead to DOJ investigation, congressman says
Katie Pavlich Fri, July 10, 2026 at 2:02 PM UTC
1.1K
(NewsNation) — A Republican congressman who signed a letter demanding the WNBA address the treatment of star Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark said Thursday the league could face a federal investigation if Commissioner Cathy Engelbert doesn’t act.
Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., told “Katie Pavlich Tonight” the letter, signed by 11 House Republicans, invokes the Department of Justice, the Labor Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over what the lawmakers call a pattern of on-court attacks against Clark.
Caitlin Clark condemns ‘harassment’ as WNBA players face a surge of online threats
“These certainly could be workplace violations, equal rights, civil rights violations that could ascend to an investigation,” Alford said. “We’re not calling for it at this point. What we’re calling for is the commissioner to do something, first admit there’s a problem and then correct the problem.”
Caitlin Clark WNBA letter: What spurred GOP action?
Alford pointed to a widely circulated clip showing a player’s arm across Clark’s throat during a game as an example of conduct he said crosses a line.
Trending and culture reporter Mike Gunzelman, also on the panel, argued the controversy is the league’s own doing.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) attempts a pass while falling to the court as Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler (17) defends during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) pressures Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FILE – Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark reacts to fans before the WNBA All-Star basketball game, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, file)
FILE – Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in action during a WNBA basketball game against the Chicago Sky in Indianapolis, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
He said if the WNBA doesn’t respond, the next steps could include congressional hearings or a DOJ inquiry.
Advertisement
“It’s self-inflicted wounds that they’re bringing upon themselves,” he said, adding that Clark’s popularity has driven “record ratings, record attendance, record merchandise sales and record viewership” for the WNBA.
Does everyone agree with the GOP letter on Caitlin Clark?
Not everyone agrees the letter is warranted. Sports commentator Jamele Hill called the congressional pressure “ridiculous” on her own show, arguing lawmakers are “stoking a culture war on purpose” by framing the physical play against Clark in racial terms.
WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas 1 game for hit to Caitlin Clark’s throat
The WNBA has not responded publicly to the letter.
Alford said his focus isn’t Clark specifically, but the “future of women’s sports in America,” arguing the league needs to guarantee player safety regardless of the outcome for any one athlete.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: July 11, 2026 at 09:28AM on Source: MORNING MAG
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle