Former US women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe has expressed concern over the Indiana Fever and star player Caitlin Clark‘s ongoing complaints about officiating in the WNBA. Speaking during a recent podcast with Sue Bird, Rapinoe warned that such persistent grievances risk painting the team and Clark as players who constantly dispute referee decisions, potentially harming their reputation.

Rapinoe Highlights Fever’s Issues with Officiating Comments

During the conversation, Rapinoe mentioned that Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White was fined for her recent remarks on officiating. Clark, currently sidelined with a quad injury, was also noted as a key figure raising complaints. Rapinoe urged the Fever to avoid becoming known as a team that frequently challenges referees. She emphasized the importance of “playing through it” and earning respect rather than repeatedly spotlighting calls against them.

“You don’t want to become the girl, the team, the coach, the player who cries wolf all the time,”

Rapinoe said.

“It’s just like, constant. And, like, to what end? And I think especially around this Fever team, and especially around Caitlin, this has like been a thing. It was a thing last year. Sometimes you just have to play through it and earn a little bit more respect.”

— Megan Rapinoe, Former USWNT Star

Rapinoe Reflects on Her Own Experience with Officiating

Rapinoe admitted to having clashed with officials during her soccer career, including receiving red cards for her protestations. However, she believes that for Clark and the Fever, maintaining excessive focus on calls will not serve them well. She advocates for quieter acceptance on the court to promote better respect from officials and more favorable game management.

“I feel like constantly having that narrative doesn’t do your team or you really any good,”

Rapinoe remarked.

“Obviously, you have to go to bat for your team and whatever, but I’m just kind of like, it’s too much. I think it’s too much, constantly asking for fouls all the time, it’s just annoying and I feel like you get less fouls.”

— Megan Rapinoe, Former USWNT Star

Caitlin Clark Responds to Recent Flagrant Foul Call

Earlier in the month, Clark was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul during a game against the Chicago Sky, following a contest for a rebound involving Angel Reese. Clark protested the call, stating she only went for the ball and did not intend any harm.

“Let’s not make it anything that it’s not,”

Clark said after the game.

“It was just a good play on the basketball. I’m not sure what the refs saw to upgrade it. That’s up to their discretion … I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am. I went for the ball and that’s clear as day in the replay. It shouldn’t have been upgraded.”

— Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Player

Stephanie White Calls for Consistency and Safer Play in WNBA

Following Indiana’s recent loss to the Washington Mystics, with Clark absent due to injury, Fever coach Stephanie White addressed concerns over officiating and player safety. White believes the league must improve in handling consistent calls and reduce intentionally rough play. She stressed the need for officiating clarity so players and coaches can better adjust to the style of games.

“Obviously, I think we can get better in certain areas as far as how we call the game, consistency with how we call the game,”

White stated.

“Are we going to say that we want a free-flowing offensive game, or are we going to have tough, grind-out physical games? And whatever way it is, the players will adjust and coaches will adjust but we can’t have it be one way one quarter and another way another quarter.”

— Stephanie White, Indiana Fever Coach

Implications for the Indiana Fever and WNBA Officiating

Rapinoe’s warning highlights a growing tension within the WNBA regarding officiating and player reactions, particularly for the Fever and Caitlin Clark. Persistent complaints might not only affect the team’s public image but could also influence how referees manage games involving them. As the Fever navigate the remainder of the season, balancing assertiveness with respect toward officials could prove crucial to their success and public perception in a league increasingly focused on consistent officiating and player safety.