The Indiana Fever are facing again another scandal surprise as controversy sparked around the treatment of Caitlin Clark’s injury and head coach Stephanie White’s involvement.
However, someone from the inside of the team raised her voice to defend her teammate and coach from these unrespectful claims. The one that has put an end to all the controversy is the one and only Lexie Hull, Fever’s great guard.
What happened to Caitlin Clark
Selected as No. 1 overall draft pick, Clark is one of the most hyped rookies to the WNBA, but also has struggled through her first season due to some ugly injuries. She suffered four different muscle injuries, most notably a right groin strain that sidelined her for the remainder of the season and the Fever’s playoff run.
The losses frustrated fans who were eagerly waiting to see her on the court but also created rumors that the coaching staff pushed her back onto the court too quickly.
Stephanie White blamed as responsible
There was some claims and media buzz discussing whether or not White had pushed Clark back out onto the court before she was fully healed, causing her to further injure herself. The implication: The Fever’s desire to remain in the game cost their young star her future health.
But Hull does not want to hear none of that.
Hull’s strong defense
During a recent ESPN Vibe Check guest appearance, Hull supported White’s leadership and cleared up criticism that the coach treated Clark poorly.
It’s honestly incredible… I don’t think you could put anybody else out there with the hand we’ve been dealt and get the same outcome that we’ve got if we didn’t have her leading our ship. We’re really grateful for her
Hull stressed White’s top priority has never been game victories, even at the moment when Clark’s season had technically expired. “Her concern wasn’t how to win games – it was making sure Caitlin was okay, mentally and physically,” Hull said.
The debate, at the end, reflects the challenge faced in professional sport generally: finding a balance between team success and athlete health. Injuries suffered by young stars such as Clark raise questions regarding medical treatment, but also put pressure to perform during high-demanding seasons.
For the Fever, Hull’s support of White also is an expression of team cohesion in the face of external criticism. While fans and pundits are speculating about what went wrong, players themselves are stating what they think is going right.
When will Clark return?
Clark’s rehabilitation will be closely watched throughout the offseason, with fans waiting to see if she recovers to start her second year. White and her coaches will meanwhile keep getting heat over how they manage player health, especially for young superstars.
For now, though, Hull’s comment puts things into perspective for the viewer, reminding people that there is a roster behind its coach, and a young breakout star whose health is always the top concern.
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