INDIANAPOLIS — Rebecca Lobo took the initiative to do thorough research. She examined WNBA rookie footage from the past 27 seasons to ensure she understood the context correctly. She looked at tapes of rookies like Kelsey Plum, Sabrina Ionescu, and Sue Bird, alongside other notable guards during their rookie seasons.

Lobo firmly believes that Caitlin Clark, a rookie for the Indiana Fever, is experiencing a unique style of play and defense that sets her apart from her predecessors in the league.

However, she insists that the more intense and aggressive tactics employed against Clark aren’t born from jealousy. This behavior—which includes more severe fouls and tight defensive coverage, evidenced by visible bruises shared on social media—does not stem from envy but from recognition of her exceptional skill.

“They’re defending her this way because she plays a style the league hasn’t encountered before,” Lobo shared with IndyStar.

“This underscores just how lethal she is with the ball,” noted Lobo, a former WNBA star and ESPN analyst. “I don’t subscribe to the narrative that jealousy is driving how other players react towards her. That being said, I’ve never seen a rookie face this level of defense.”

Lobo points out that she has never witnessed a rookie being closely guarded 94 feet from the basket when they don’t hold the ball. Clark has even been shadowed 35 feet from the basket at times, often when she is positioned far from the ball.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Lobo said. “That’s exactly what’s happening with Caitlin.”

The treatment Clark receives isn’t entirely straightforward, however, as other notable athletes, coaches, and experts in sports equity have used terms like “targeted,” “petty jealousy,” and “unacceptable behavior” to describe her situation.

The phenomenon of Caitlin Clark reflects the complexities of a rookie who has not only elevated her league but also demonstrated that she excels against professional competition, similar to her college performance. She’s known for being competitive and emotional, having accumulated her fair share of technical fouls, often needing to be calmed by her teammates.

Significantly, there are racial implications in the treatment and media portrayal of Clark, as noted by Ellen Staurowsky, a sports media professor at Ithaca College in New York.

With over 70% of WNBA players being Black, Clark was notably the only white player in this season’s All-Star lineup, which consisted of 12 players.

“Studies indicate that key players like A’ja Wilson receive significantly less media attention compared to others, even as they excel in their careers,” Staurowsky mentioned. “This racial dynamic is undeniable. Nevertheless, it’s not the only factor at play here.”

Lobo concurs that various aspects contribute to this situation.

“Could race be a factor? Possibly, but we also have seen remarkable white players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu who have not garnered such attention,” she observed. “Therefore, it must be something else.”

Clark’s experience took a turn after a flagrant foul committed by the Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter in June, igniting discussions on racial and political dynamics.

“Carter’s foul was not just inappropriate but seemed planned,” stated Ros Gold-Onwude, an ESPN sports commentator. “Such non-basketball actions fuel discussions that are beyond the game. There’s a curious trend of using Clark’s situation to push political agendas, with some individuals who don’t typically follow women’s basketball exploiting the scenario for divisive ends.”

The treatment of Clark by WNBA players is quite complex.

According to Susan K. Cahn, a professor emerita of history at the University at Buffalo and expert on women’s and LGBTQ history in sports, “There could be some potential resentment that has nothing to do with Caitlin Clark’s actions but rather her being viewed as a kind of savior figure for the league.”

“While this attention may be beneficial for her in general, in this situation, it may be detrimental,” she noted.

Caitlin Clark ‘targeted.’ ‘It’s ‘petty jealousy’

Aside from her impressive triple-doubles and the increased interest in women’s basketball, largely due to Clark, discussions this season have centered around the intense physical challenges she faces from players. Various prominent figures in basketball have commented on this issue.

Longtime analyst Dick Vitale expressed his concern on Facebook in June, stating, “The treatment Caitlin Clark has been receiving is not reflective of basketball. Those responsible should face suspensions and hefty fines to halt this situation. It’s ridiculous to see such petty jealousy. Caitlin is a significant financial asset for everyone involved with the WNBA. This behavior needs to cease, and she should be embraced by all.”

Former NBA player Charles Barkley criticized WNBA players during an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast in September, saying, “These women, and I am a fan of the WNBA, couldn’t have messed up the Caitlin Clark situation any worse if they had tried. If you had a group of men brainstorming on how to sabotage the WNBA, they couldn’t have come up with a better plan than what these players have done.”

Barkley added, “For these women to exhibit such pettiness makes you wonder what is happening here.”

According to Geno Auriemma, the seasoned head coach of the Connecticut women’s team, the issue is that Clark is receiving unfair treatment from her peers in the league.

“Is she experiencing rookie challenges? Yes,” Auriemma explained in June, according to ESPN’s Michael Voepel. “However, she is also being targeted.”

Auriemma drew parallels between Clark’s experience and that of NBA stars during their rookie years, saying, “I don’t recall when (Michael) Jordan entered the (NBA) that everyone was trying to beat him up. I don’t remember Larry (Bird) and Magic (Johnson) coming into the league and being targeted and physically attacked simply due to their fame.”

One notable statistic from Clark’s rookie season has emerged recently—an alarming 17% of the WNBA’s flagrant fouls were committed against her.

During a game against Dallas, another flagrant foul against Clark was added to this statistic. While driving for a layup, Clark was struck across the neck by Kalani Brown, who initially went for the ball. Though it was originally called a common foul, it was later upgraded to a flagrant 1.

While Brown’s foul seemed to be part of the game, another foul by Carter earlier in the season was criticized by the Fever as being completely inappropriate for a basketball context.

While waiting for an inbound pass from Aliyah Boston, Carter shoulder-checked Clark, causing her to fall. An away-from-ball foul was called, which led to backlash from the Fever. The league eventually upgraded it to a flagrant 1.

Fever general manager Lin Dunn expressed her views on X, saying, “There’s a distinction between tough defense and unnecessary targeted actions! This has to end! The league needs to clean up!”

Fever coach Christie Sides also voiced her concerns on X, labeling Carter’s action as “unacceptable” and urging the WNBA to take action. “When will these ongoing complaints be heard?”

Amidst everything, Clark has remained mostly quiet regarding the treatment she faces on the court. Earlier in the season, she remarked that it felt like opponents were getting away with things against her that they wouldn’t be able to do with other players.

As the season has unfolded, Clark has attempted to downplay much of the attention surrounding her, noting that she avoids social media to steer clear of negativity and controversies associated with her.

Lobo supports her choice, noting that whenever she posts about Clark or the Sky’s Angel Reese, she deliberately avoids tagging them.

“I also limit who can reply to my posts because I suspect there’s a mechanism where negative comments appear out of nowhere,” Lobo said. “If you share something positive about someone, hate tends to show up in the replies. I find it hard to believe that’s all genuine reactions; it seems excessive.”

Why is there fear to speak out?

Lobo finds it puzzling that there seems to be a reluctance to openly acknowledge what Clark represents: a rising star benefiting everyone.

“Data confirms that no one drives ticket sales like Caitlin Clark does, period. The numbers and ratings show that no one generates viewership like she does,” Lobo emphasized, “yet we often act as if that’s not true, leaving me wondering why.”

Cahn speculates that the animosity some WNBA players feel towards Clark is more pronounced than typical rookie resentment, largely due to the sudden surge of interest in the league.

“Players feel, ‘We’ve been doing this since 1997,'” Cahn noted. “Suddenly, there’s all this media focus, often from male reporters who have never covered the league before.”

There seems to be some bitterness about the way one player is being elevated above the rest, despite the incredible talent throughout the league.

Former tennis champion Martina Navratilova noted that while the entire league is strong, it’s important to recognize the impact Caitlin Clark is having on the WNBA. She emphasized that “Caitlin is the tide that will raise all boats,” encouraging players to see her contributions as beneficial for everyone.

Former player Rebecca Lobo clarified that while Clark might not be the best player in the league as a rookie, her popularity is undeniable. “Caitlin is not the best player; A’ja Wilson holds that title. However, Caitlin is undoubtedly the most popular,” Lobo said. She also acknowledged that as Clark’s skills develop, she has the potential to become the best player one day.

Tennis legend Chris Evert shared her own experiences of feeling jealousy when she first entered the sport. In response to discussions about Clark’s treatment, Evert recounted that Billie Jean King advocated for her to be embraced rather than criticized. “I hope women’s basketball follows that example. (Caitlin Clark) is enhancing the sport,” she noted.

It’s uncertain how the situation will unfold for Clark moving forward. Serena Williams recently suggested that the negativity directed at Clark likely arises from envy. “When people are negative, it’s typically because they feel they are incapable of achieving what you can,” Williams shared with The Associated Press during the Tribeca Festival for her docuseries, “In the Arena: Serena Williams.” “Hopefully, Clark will keep doing her thing.”

Ultimately, what stands out is that Clark is making strides in history, boosting attendance, enhancing TV ratings, and elevating merchandise sales for the WNBA to unprecedented heights.

“When Caitlin is playing, it’s hard not to watch her because her style is captivating,” Lobo mentioned. “That’s beneficial for everyone in the league.”

‘Always facing challenges’

Throughout the season, there have been notable instances where Clark’s rivals have actively supported her.

For example, during a match against the Las Vegas Aces in July, after Clark stumbled and lost her grip on the ball, Jackie Young, a standout from Indiana and a national champion at Notre Dame, ensured Clark was alright. Young took the time to help tie Clark’s shoelaces, giving her a moment to recover.

“Jackie Young checked on Caitlin Clark,” ESPN noted on X, “taking a moment to ensure she was okay and helping her tie her shoe.”

New York’s Sabrina Ionescu remarked, “Everyone has to confront challenges, and overcoming adversity is part of the journey. Caitlin is still young and will continue to learn and grow. Moments like these reveal her true character and help her progress as a teammate, player, and person.”

Lobo believes Clark’s star power will continue to shine brightly. “If she remains healthy, I don’t foresee a time in the next five to ten years where she isn’t the most beloved player,” Lobo stated. “That’s perfectly fine and fantastic because it’s attracting unprecedented attention to the WNBA.”

Overall, this is a positive turn for both the WNBA and for Clark herself.

Even if some may voice criticism, there is a general consensus recognizing the significance of this moment. “Caitlin Clark played a crucial role in bringing it about, alongside her teammates. Ultimately, this moment isn’t solely about one individual,” stated Cahn.

Follow IndyStar sports journalist Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email at dbenbow@indystar.com.