ULTIMATE SHOCK!!! The WNBA JUST ANNOUNCED A CONTROVERSIAL RESPONSE regarding the “attack” on Caitlin Clark (implicitly by Angel Reese) with the declaration: “NOT A SINGLE PLAYER WILL BE SUSPENDED”! This decision has ignited a FIERCE WAVE OF OUTRAGE from the online community and fans. How will Stephen A. Smith and First Take “UNLEASH THEIR FURY” on this incident?

The sports world is in turmoil after the WNBA’s latest announcement regarding the heated incident involving Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. In a move that has stunned fans and analysts alike, the league declared that “not a single player will be suspended” following what many are calling an “attack” on Clark during the recent Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game. The decision has unleashed a fierce wave of outrage across social media, with supporters of Clark and objective basketball lovers alike demanding accountability and transparency. Now, all eyes are on ESPN’s “First Take,” where the panel is expected to “unleash its fury” over the league’s controversial response.

The incident in question occurred late in the fourth quarter, as the Fever clung to a narrow lead. Clark, already the center of media attention since her historic entry into the WNBA, drove to the basket only to be met by a hard foul from Angel Reese—a collision that sent Clark sprawling to the hardwood. The arena erupted, and replays showed Reese’s arm making significant contact with Clark’s head and shoulders. While referees called a flagrant foul, many fans and commentators called for harsher penalties, citing player safety and the league’s responsibility to protect its stars.

Within minutes, #SuspendReese and #ProtectClark were trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans posted slow-motion replays, debated intent, and called out what they saw as a pattern of rough play targeting Clark. The Fever’s coach, visibly frustrated during the post-game press conference, stated, “We expect the league to take this very seriously. Our players deserve to feel safe on the court.”

But when the WNBA issued its official statement the following day, the backlash was immediate and overwhelming. “After reviewing all available footage and consulting with both teams, the league has determined that no suspensions will be issued in connection with the incident,” the statement read. “The actions on the court, while physical, did not rise to the level of warranting further disciplinary action.”

The response was swift and brutal. Social media exploded with accusations of favoritism, inconsistency, and a lack of concern for player welfare. “If this happened to a male superstar in the NBA, the league would act immediately,” one fan posted. Another wrote, “The WNBA talks about growing the game, but how can we support a league that won’t protect its biggest stars?”

Analysts, too, weighed in. “This is a defining moment for the WNBA,” said basketball commentator LaChina Robinson. “When you have a young star like Caitlin Clark bringing millions of new eyes to the league, you have to send a message that she—and every player—will be protected. This decision does the opposite.”

Now, the spotlight turns to ESPN’s “First Take,” where hosts Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Kendrick Perkins are known for their fiery takes and unfiltered opinions. The show has never shied away from controversy, and with the WNBA’s decision dominating headlines, expectations are sky-high for a passionate response.

On the morning after the league’s announcement, “First Take” wasted no time diving into the controversy. Stephen A. Smith, never one to mince words, opened with a blistering critique: “This is an absolute disgrace. The WNBA had a chance to make a statement, to show that it values player safety and the integrity of the game. Instead, they’ve sent the message that anything goes—especially if you’re a star or the ratings are high enough.”

Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA player known for his physical style, added, “Look, basketball is a contact sport. But there’s a line, and Angel Reese crossed it. The league had an opportunity to draw that line in the sand, and they blew it. Caitlin Clark is the face of the league right now. If she’s not safe, nobody is.”

Molly Qerim, balancing the debate, questioned whether the league was feeling pressure to keep its biggest names on the court for ratings and ticket sales. “Is the WNBA protecting its product or its players?” she asked. “That’s the real question here.”

The debate raged on, with fans flooding the show’s social media channels with their own opinions. Some argued that the game has always been physical and that suspensions should be reserved for truly egregious acts. Others insisted that the league’s failure to act decisively would only embolden more dangerous play, risking both player safety and the league’s reputation.

In the aftermath, it’s clear that the WNBA’s decision has not settled the issue—it has only intensified the scrutiny. Clark herself, when asked about the incident, remained diplomatic: “I respect the league’s decision. My focus is on getting better and helping my team win.” Angel Reese, for her part, insisted the foul was not intentional, saying, “I play hard, that’s my style. There was no malice.”

But for many, the damage is done. The controversy has become a flashpoint in a larger conversation about the future of women’s basketball, the treatment of its stars, and the standards to which the league holds itself.

As the season continues, one thing is certain: the eyes of the basketball world will be watching every move—on the court, in the league office, and on the set of “First Take.” The shockwaves from this decision are far from over, and the debate about justice, accountability, and the true meaning of “protecting the game” has only just begun.