In a fiery post-game segment that has since gone viral, NBA legend and renowned commentator Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hold back as he tore into the officiating crew overseeing the heated WNBA matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics. At the center of the storm: a controversial incident where Jacy Sheldon appeared to strike rookie sensation Caitlin Clark in the face — an act that went uncalled by the officials, igniting a firestorm on social media.

Shaq, known for his unfiltered and passionate takes, singled out referee Ashley Gloss by name, accusing her and the officiating team of turning a blind eye to what he called “one of the most blatant fouls I’ve ever seen in professional basketball.”

“You’ve got millions of fans watching Caitlin Clark. This league is growing because of her. And then you let something like that slide? Come on, Ashley. That’s not just a miss — that’s negligence,” O’Neal said on national television, his voice filled with disbelief.

The incident in question happened late in the third quarter when Clark drove into the lane. As she cut past Sheldon, cameras caught what appeared to be a sharp, deliberate swipe toward her face. Clark stumbled back, holding her jaw, but no whistle was blown. The game continued, and within seconds, the Mystics scored on a fast break.

Fans erupted in outrage online. The clip was reposted tens of thousands of times, with the hashtags #ProtectCaitlinClark and #WNBARefs trending within minutes. Prominent athletes, journalists, and even former referees weighed in — many demanding accountability and action from the WNBA front office.

“Caitlin Clark is not just a player — she’s the future of women’s basketball,” one fan wrote. “If the league can’t protect her, what message does that send to young girls watching?” Others called for Ashley Gloss to be suspended or removed from officiating future games, citing a “clear and dangerous oversight.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Caitlin Clark herself remained calm in her postgame comments but acknowledged the blow. “It’s part of the game. I just want to compete and win, but yeah, it caught me off guard,” she said with visible swelling on her cheek.

Her restraint only seemed to amplify public anger. Shaquille O’Neal later doubled down on social media, writing: “Silence is not strength when safety is compromised. If the league won’t say something, I will. Caitlin deserves better.”

This isn’t the first time Caitlin Clark has found herself at the center of controversy in her young professional career. As one of the most high-profile rookies in WNBA history, she’s become a target for both praise and criticism, as well as rough physical play on the court.

Still, this latest incident marks a tipping point. Many now believe the league must step in, not just to review the missed call, but to set a precedent that rising stars and veterans alike deserve equal protection and fair officiating.

Ashley Gloss has not responded publicly to the criticism, but sources inside the league say an internal review of the officiating in that game is already underway. Whether that leads to disciplinary action remains to be seen.

For now, fans, analysts, and players await a statement from the WNBA — and perhaps more importantly, a commitment to higher standards moving forward. As Shaq so bluntly put it: “If we don’t speak up now, we risk losing the very voices and talents that are driving the game forward.”

  Continue reading