Security Removes Heckling Fan After Caitlin Clark Complains Following Tense Spat During WNBA Playoff Game

Mar. 15, 2025

Caitlin Clark.Photo:Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

Caitlin Clark and WNBA fans had another tense moment Wednesday night when security officials briefly escorted a fan away from his courtside seat following an exchange with the WNBA rookie.

Security guards at the Mohegan Sun Arenawere seenon ESPN’s broadcast approaching a fan sitting courtside and escorting him away from the seat to have a conversation with him with 1:29 left in the game’s first quarter. The moment came after Clark pointed out the fan to the referees and appeared to complain about something that was said.

Clark, 22, briefly spoke about the incident duringan on-court interviewwith ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the first half.

“I’m calling you ‘Spicy Caitlin’ tonight,” Rowe joked. “I see you get into it with a fan, with the ref. How do you maintain your composure but still keep your edge?”

“Stay focused about what’s on the floor,” Clark said. “My four other teammates that are right here with me. I think that’s the most important.”

Indianapolis Starreporter Chloe Petersnlater postedon social media during the game that “the fan is back in his seat now after a discussion with arena security.”

Caitlin Clark.Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Clark and the Fever went on to lose the game 87-81, ending their season as they were eliminated from the playoffs. The game was chippy throughout, as many have throughout Clark’s rookie season, with the Fever guard getting into repeated brush-ups and arguments with Connecticut forward DeWanna Bonner.

Caitlin Clark.Joe Buglewicz/Getty

Joe Buglewicz/Getty

Indiana head coach Christie Sides told reporters her players receive “a lot of hurtful, hateful” messages on social media as well and also called the behavior “unacceptable.”

Clark’s fanbase has long been criticized dating back to her time in college at the University of Iowa, as other players began reporting they routinely receive hateful messages on social media from those supporting her.

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On numerous occasions throughout her rookie season, the Fever guard has been asked about fan vitriol and has spoken out against fans using fandom for her as an excuse to attack other players in the league.

“I think it’s disappointing,” Clarksaidin June. “I think everybody in our world deserves the same amount of respect. The women in our league deserve the same amount of respect.”

Clark added: “People should not be using my name to push those agendas. It’s disappointing, it’s not acceptable.”

source: people.com