NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently addressed the safety of Caitlin Clark, one of the WNBA’s most prominent stars. At an event in New York, he focused more on the controversy stemming from political debates rather than addressing the physical treatment Clark has faced on the court.

During the CNBC Sports Summit, Silver suggested that the attention around Clark is more politically driven than related to basketball issues. “Caitlin is an incredible player and person,” he said. “It’s unfair that she’s become a political topic. It’s like she’s caught in a political game.” Many of Clark’s supporters believe Silver is missing the core issue.

Critics have repeatedly highlighted the aggressive play and hard fouls Clark has endured. Yet, Silver minimized these aspects, shifting focus to the surrounding controversy. “The issues here are not mainly about officiating,” he stated, downplaying the repeated physical challenges Clark has faced on the court.

Silver’s involvement in decision-making has led to more scrutiny. Reports indicate he consulted with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert before Alyssa Thomas received a suspension related to a contentious incident. When asked to confirm this, Silver declined, citing fairness concerns for Clark and Engelbert.

While acknowledging a need for better officiating within the WNBA, Silver quickly diverted from larger issues affecting Clark. At a moment where decisive action was necessary, Silver chose to focus on managing perceptions rather than addressing the core disputes. This has left some questioning the league’s commitment to player safety.