Home / Sports / Lisa Leslie: WNBA, Refs Need Improvement After Clark-Thomas Incident
Lisa Leslie: WNBA, Refs Need Improvement After Clark-Thomas Incident
29 Jun
Summary
- Lisa Leslie criticizes officiating and player conduct after a WNBA incident.
- She urges the league and referees to improve their performance standards.
- Leslie emphasizes consistent player protection regardless of reputation.
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has voiced her strong opinions regarding the recent incident involving Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas and Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark. Leslie stated that the league and its officials "have got to do better" in managing game conduct and calls.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Leslie acknowledged the difficulty of officiating but pointed to missed calls during the game. She supported the league's decision to fine Thomas but questioned the officials' ability to miss such a flagrant foul in real-time.
Leslie also highlighted that players must take responsibility for their actions. She recalled a time when players showed more mutual respect and concern for opponents' well-being, even during intense play.
She agreed with Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts' sentiment that consistency is paramount in the league's disciplinary actions. Leslie emphasized that all players deserve equal protection, irrespective of their star power or reputation, calling for a unified standard of conduct and officiating for everyone on the court.
Both Caitlin Clark and Fever coach Stephanie White had previously criticized the officiating, while Tibbetts questioned the league's suspension process for Thomas, citing a lack of thorough investigation and inconsistent application of standards.
