As Caitlin Clark continues to electrify fans in her debut WNBA season, a growing chorus of voices—including her former college coach—is calling for major reforms to protect the rookie phenom from excessive physical play.

Lisa Bluder, the longtime Iowa Hawkeyes head coach who mentored Clark for four years, is speaking out after a series of hard fouls and on-court altercations involving the Indiana Fever star. Her message is simple: it’s time to change the rules to preserve player safety—and Clark’s future.

Rising Star, Rough Treatment

Clark, 23, has been a lightning rod since entering the league as the No. 1 overall draft pick. Known for her deep shooting range, flashy passes, and undeniable star power, she’s quickly become one of the most watched—and most targeted—players in the WNBA.

While her talent has garnered fans across the country, it has also made her a magnet for rough defensive tactics from opponents trying to slow her down.

“They think that’s the way they can stop her—by physically dominating her,” Bluder told TMZ Sports. “That’s part of the WNBA game right now, but it shouldn’t be.”

The Breaking Point

Tensions came to a head in a heated game on June 17 between the Fever and the Connecticut Sun. During the third quarter, Clark was smothered by Sun defender Jacy Sheldon, who appeared to poke her in the eye while getting in her face. When Clark attempted to push Sheldon away, Marina Mabrey stormed in and violently shoved Clark to the floor—igniting a brief on-court melee.

Shockingly, Clark was assessed a technical foul for her role in the scuffle, while Mabrey remained in the game. The decision drew immediate backlash from fans and analysts, prompting the WNBA to later admit that the call was incorrect. Mabrey has since received a league-issued punishment.

For Bluder, that incident was more than just a bad call—it was proof that the rules need to change.

A Coach’s Call for Reform

Bluder, who retired this year after 24 seasons at Iowa, remains deeply invested in Clark’s career. She’s now urging the WNBA to revise how it officiates games to reduce aggressive, dangerous defense.

“I think there needs to be more freedom of movement in our game,” Bluder said. “That means calling more fouls—even if people don’t like it. The players will adjust.”

Bluder wants to see stricter consequences for “egregious” physical plays—specifically ejections and financial penalties for repeat offenders. Her argument is rooted not just in concern for Clark, but for the overall integrity of the women’s game.

“If we want our league to grow and showcase our best players, we have to protect them,” she said.

A Double Standard?

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation in the sports world. Some analysts and fans say Clark is facing an unfair level of scrutiny and physical play—more than what most male rookies experience in the NBA.

“People act like she has to earn her place by getting knocked down a few times,” said one ESPN commentator. “That’s not how we treat talent. That’s not how we grow the league.”

Others argue Clark is simply getting the “rookie treatment”—a rite of passage in pro sports. But the intensity of the incidents surrounding her has led many to question whether this goes beyond normal physicality.

Fan and League Reaction

The incident with the Sun went viral within hours. Hashtags like #ProtectClark and #FreeCaitlin began trending on social media, with thousands of fans expressing outrage at what they saw as a failure to protect one of the WNBA’s brightest stars.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged the league’s misstep, admitting the referees “got it wrong” and promising to review officiating protocols. But for Clark’s supporters, that’s not enough.

“This is about more than one bad call,” one fan posted on X. “This is about a pattern.”

Clark: Calm but Determined

Despite the swirling drama, Clark has maintained her composure. In a postgame interview after the incident, she downplayed the altercation and focused on her performance.

“I’ve been disrespected my whole life,” she said. “Every time people count me out, I rise.”

Clark backed up her words with action. In her very next game, she exploded for 25 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals—drawing standing ovations from the crowd and silencing critics.

“That label? That’s fuel for me,” she added, referencing the ongoing criticism she’s received from bloggers and rival fans alike.

Looking Ahead

As the WNBA continues its historic season—with record attendance, ratings, and social media buzz—Caitlin Clark remains its biggest draw. But with fame comes risk, and her former coach is determined to ensure her star continues to rise safely.

“We have to protect players like Caitlin,” Bluder emphasized. “She’s not just a great player—she’s the future of women’s basketball.”

Whether or not the league will implement the changes Bluder is advocating remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Clark’s presence has sparked more than just highlight reels—it’s igniting long-overdue conversations about safety, respect, and the price of greatness.