Houchin, Biggs: “Caitlin Clark Takes the Hits While the WNBA Takes a Pass,” Call Out the WNBA For Turning Its Back on Its Biggest Star
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a brand-new episode of the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) Right to the Point podcast, Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) sits down with Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03) to discuss the RSC’s letter to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding more accountability following repeated acts of physical hostility against the league’s superstar, Caitlin Clark.
During the conversation, the two reflect on the “Caitlin Clark Effect” and the unprecedented attention Clark has brought to the WNBA and women’s sports. They discuss how the league’s failure to adequately protect its most valuable player raises serious concerns about player safety, workplace standards, and the message being sent to young girls tuning in at home.
Houchin and Biggs emphasize that the letter is the first step, and one with a rapidly approaching deadline of July 24 for a response from the Commissioner.
If the league fails to take action and allow for the violent targeting to continue, they could face a potential crackdown from the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for violations of federal civil rights law.
You can listen to the full episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Read highlights from the conversation below:
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09): “[The letter] warns if the discrimination continues, that the league will face potential or could face potential crackdown from the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, and the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission…Why would those actions potentially be necessary in this case?”
Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03): “The WNBA is well known, and they kind of set a standard, and not only for the players that are currently on the court, but you think about the young women that are in the stands, the fans that are watching…It could discourage others from participating.”
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09): “I know the Republican Study Committee is committed to ensuring the integrity of women's sports in all fronts. It's concerning to me that Democrats are openly advocating for men in sports. They're disregarding what's happening to Caitlin Clark at the expense of fairness and integrity. What kind of message are we sending to young girls in the country, and what more do you think we should be doing?”
Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03): “When I think about those colleagues on the other side of the aisle that support men in women's sports, yet claim to be for the people, I think it's really obvious who is for the people. And the Republican Party has pulled together, along with President Trump, in making sure that women are safe and enjoying the sports that they've worked so hard to compete for…I think it speaks volumes to our constituents. I think they know that we're trying to protect our young women.”
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09): “Do you think the WNBA will respond to our letter, and what should we do if we don't get any response or action out of this effort?”
Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03): “I think the letter was common sense. All we're asking for is level playing ground in a safe space for these young women to compete, and I think it's in the best interest of all the young women. And when you think about our children and grandchildren, we're just setting the standard. And it's unfortunate that we should even have to get involved…We are prepared to go to the next step, if need be.”