WNBA star Kate Martin has sparked outrage on social media after demanding that the league’s governing body review VAR footage and ban Angel Reese from playing for her unsportsmanlike conduct of punching Caitlin Clark in the head.
“We need to get rid of the dirty players to make the game cleaner,” Martin wrote on Twitter.
The incident occurred during Friday’s game between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. Reese was ejected from the game after punching Clark in the head in the fourth quarter. Clark subsequently left the game due to injury.
Martin, who has been a victim of on-court violence herself, said she was “appalled” by Reese’s actions.
“I can’t believe this happened in a WNBA game,” Martin said. “We need to take strong action to send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
Martin’s call has been met with support from many WNBA players and fans.
“It’s time the WNBA gets serious about discipline,” said Sylvia Fowles, a center for the Minnesota Lynx. “Reese’s behavior was unacceptable and she needs to be punished accordingly.”
The WNBA’s governing body has said it is reviewing the incident and will make a decision later this week.