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Former Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder Reveals If WNBA Is Targeting Caitlin Clark originally appeared on The Spun.
After this week’s controversial foul trouble, the WNBA is facing more pressure than ever to change its rules from Caitlin Clark’s fans and supporters. But why is Clark taking so many uncalled foul in the first place?
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Her former head coach might have the answer.
In an interview with TMZ, former Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder said that while she doesn’t believe that Clark is being targeted per se, she does believe that WNBA players are going at her hard to try and assert physical dominance.
“It’s a part of the WNBA. It’s a part of the rules right now, and if we want that to change, I think we have to change the way the game is called,” Bluder said.
It seems like a distinction without a difference, but Bluder is open to seeing the WNBA make rule changes. She believes that the WNBA needs to allow for more freedom of movement even if it means more fouls getting called. Bluder feels that while people may not like it initially, they’ll adjust over time.
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“I think there needs to be more freedom of movement in our game,” she said. “Which means, yes, calling more fouls, which people don’t like, but people will adjust. The players will adjust.
“If we start calling more fouls and emphasize the rules, the players will adjust, ’cause they want to be on the floor.”
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 04: AP Player of the Year Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes poses with her award and head coach Lisa Bluder during a press conference ahead of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 04, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
As for how the league might better enforce its rules, Bluder said that increased fines and suspension are the best way.
“I think that’s the only way to change the behavior,” Bluder said. “And I think what’s gonna happen is more people are gonna enjoy the game.”
It feels like something is going to have to change sooner or later.
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Whether the numbers show that Clark is being disproportionately targeted or not, the WNBA could do more to protect arguably the most beloved star they’ve ever had while her career is still young.
Related: The 3 Best Swimsuit Photos Of Fever Star Sophie Cunningham
Former Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder Reveals If WNBA Is Targeting Caitlin Clark first appeared on The Spun on Jun 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
