RSC Chairman Pfluger Leads Letter to WNBA Demanding Accountability Over Unfair Treatment of Caitlin Clark

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) is leading RSC members in a letter to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Commissioner Cathy Engelbert pressing for greater accountability following repeated acts of physical violence towards the league’s star player, Caitlin Clark.

The letter follows the latest attack on Clark, in which she was violently struck in the neck during a game, as well as social media posts calling for further violence against her.

Republicans have consistently led the charge on protecting women’s sports, and this letter urges the WNBA to ensure female athletes are adequately protected and that the court remains a professional environment for its players. Members are making clear that if this violent targeting continues unchecked, the league could face a crackdown from the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for violations of federal civil rights law.

“Caitlin Clark is transforming women’s sports. She has inspired a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics and has become one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s basketball. She is also the face of your league… Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games. These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable,” wrote RSC Chairman Pfluger. “If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.”

The letter was cosigned by Reps. Erin Houchin (IN-09), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Mark Alford (MO-04), Pete Sessions (TX-17), and John Rose (TN-06). In addition to cosigning, the members shared the following statements: 

“If it were not for Caitlin Clark the WNBA would still be irrelevant and possibly even defunct. Caitlin, and every player, deserves to know that when they walk on the court they are protected from unnecessary physical hostility and violence. Commissioner Engelbert is responsible for the safety of the women in her league, she should act swiftly to keep them all protected from the thug-like violence Caitlin Clark has fallen victim to,” said Rep. Marlin Stutzman. 

“Discrimination of any kind has no place in women’s sports. The WNBA’s failure to act on these concerning incidents shows an indifference, or active disregard, for civil rights protections. I look forward to receiving answers from Commissioner Engelbert,” said Rep. Tim Burchett. 

“Caitlin Clark has made Hoosiers proud and inspired countless young girls across the nation to believe they belong on the court. The WNBA has a responsibility to ensure every player competes in a fair and safe environment, and its actions—not just its words—must reflect that,” said Rep. Victoria Spartz.

“Caitlin Clark has done more to grow women’s basketball than perhaps any athlete in the sport’s history, inspiring young girls across East Tennessee and the country to pick up a basketball and dream big. But instead of protecting its biggest star, the WNBA has let repeated physical attacks against her go unanswered. Women athletes deserve fair and safe competition. Commissioner Engelbert has an obligation to get serious about accountability and it’s time she finally does,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger.

“The very foundation of protecting women’s sports means protecting the women who compete in them and preserving the integrity of fair competition. The WNBA’s responsibility to ensure that physical play never crosses the line into reckless or unsafe behavior doesn’t end at Caitlin Clark. It’s not partisan and it’s not controversial. The Commissioner must demonstrate that player safety is a top priority and that the rules will be enforced fairly and consistently for all WNBA athletes,” said Rep. Sheri Biggs.

“Caitlin Clark is one of West Des Moines' own, and she's a hero to millions of young girls — including my daughters. She carried women's basketball to new heights, and she's earned the right to compete without being unfairly punched, shoved, and targeted while the league that makes a billion dollars off her name looks the other way. Iowa has your back, keep the faith Caitlin!” said Rep. Zach Nunn.

“As a member of the Republican Study Committee, I was proud to sign onto this letter to the WNBA Commissioner. Caitlin Clark has transformed women’s basketball and inspired a new generation, while getting hammered for it with no accountability. That’s not competition, that’s failure. Protect your players, enforce your rules, or don’t be surprised when it raises serious federal civil rights questions,” said RSC Messaging Task Force Chair Mark Alford.