Calls Mount For ESPN Broadcaster to be Banned For Her Caitlin Clark Stance in Indiana vs Dallas Game

“A rising tide lifts all boats. And this kid is a tsunami.” Almost a year ago, the Hall of Famer and ESPN’s broadcaster for Indiana Fever games, Rebecca Lobo, was all hyped for the ‘generational talent’ out of Iowa. Fast forward to today, her stance has not changed for the reigning WNBA ROTY– Caitlin Clark. In fact, over the multiple games alongside play-by-play caller Ryan Ruocco, we have only seen her love for the sophomore grow. So, is it just admiration or biasness? Well, the fans have an opinion which became clear in the much-anticipated Fever-Wings clash.

The WNBA had already ignited a fire days before the game with their “Warning” to the viewers that showed multiple Caitlin Clark moments from when she truly is in her form. And it was safe to say that Lobo did not filter her thoughts either throughout the 40 minutes of the game. Introducing Clark during the pre-game montage, Lobo opined, “She can do this like no other player in the league, just pull up from deep.” In her defense, the Fever had their foot on the pedal from the beginning of the game and Clark did her due part. 

Just 100 seconds into the game, the Fever point guard pulled a 27-foot three-point jumper to give Indiana its first points of the afternoon. And two minutes in, she already had two field goals for 5 points, an assist, and a steal to her name to show that she was indeed back. In the 102-83 masterclass, Clark dropped another double-double with 14 points, 13 assists, and a career-high-tying five steals in 25 minutes of play.

Throughout the game, the Indiana Fever made light work of the Dallas Wings despite efforts from Paige Bueckers to turn the tide. And Lobo? The Husky chose the Hawkeye over Bueckers; at least that’s what the fans think.

It wasn’t just the praises; it was also the support. When the officials continued to ignore fouls on Clark, Rebecca Lobo didn’t hold back. During an early drive against rookie JJ Quinerly at 6:34, Caitlin Clark took multiple hits without a whistle until the very end and Lobo broke down the sequence in slow motion: “There’s a grab, there’s a hold, there’s another grab. I mean, all of those are fouls. Every single one,” she snapped. “That’s a foul, that’s a foul, that’s a foul. And finally, they call it.”

Ruocco backed her up, highlighting how Clark was absorbing contact that simply wasn’t being called. In another instance, Lobo again chimed in, “There are a lot of hands on Caitlin Clark as she is dribbling. I understand the frustration.” 

But to be fair, Lobo, albeit being a fan of Clark since her Iowa days, did call the game from a neutral stance, praising the other nine too. Like every time Aliyah Boston made a pass, Lobo mentioned how “she’s an incredible facilitator.” For Bueckers pulling a three from a distance that Clark usually would, she called, “Paige Bueckers, we know she doesn’t take as many of the steps into, just so much confidence.”

The WNBA legend also pointed out positives on Wings rookie JJ Quinerly, Fever’s Aari McDonald, Wings’ Li Yueru and Arike Ogunbowale. She even marked where the game could improve. Still, throughout the game, she was critical of the refereeing against Indiana, and the Fever fans were finally relieved that someone was backing them. However, not everyone was on board with Rebecca Lobo’s words as fans heavily criticized Lobo’s ‘fangirling’ in the game.

Fans want Rebecca Lobo off the commentary team

The game was arguably not as physical as some of the other Fever games that got a lot dirtier. Remember the Connecticut Sun game? A full-blown brawl broke out. Clark was put on the ground twice in the span of seconds, and the apprehenders were still not ejected then. But by the end, three players were ejected, including Clark’s “enforcer” Sophie Cunningham. In comparison, this was a walk in the park.

But the recent conversations on officiating like Fever HC Stephanie White calling them out on “inconsistencies” probably led to Lobo’s words. Not everyone is sold on the injustice done, as some fans have called for extreme actions on Lobo. But fans were seemingly done.

One tweeted, “I can’t watch any more of this game, Rebecca Lobo is such a horrible commentator.” “Rebecca Lobo is the worst commentator. She may as well look for a job working for the team so much bias. Fevernewmascot or PR / marketing,” wrote another fan. She has long been accused of being biased in her commentary towards Clark. Lobo has called Clark the best passer in the league, which is fair since she did lead the W in assists last season.

She even said after her explosion against Liberty, “We know how much Caitlin drives attention on the WNBA, and for her to come back and do it in that way was just ridiculous.”

Lobo has made many positive comments towards Fever, but she has also not shied from criticism, so marking her as biased off the bat seems a little unfair. 

“@espn fire rebecca lobo, ryan rucco & holly rowe,” Wrote another fan. According to some, Lobo has a tendency to focus too much on Caitlin Clark.

“Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo were doing a lot of Caitlin Clark PR about her getting grabbed, and then had the sense to say that every other guard/outside player in the W is getting the same,” wrote another. Clark has been thrown around in the league ever since her rookie year. She had 17% of all flagrants last year, plus had the second most personal fouls drawn with 4.5.

But the fan has a point, as Jewell Loyd drew 5.7 personal fouls per game, and this year, Clark is 4th in that list with 4.5 fouls drawn per game. Players are suffering more physically overall. It’s not just Clark or any other player. The issue is systemic and not a result of favoritism. However, it is also known that while Loyd is good at attracting fouls, Clark is not.

“Listening to Rebecca Lobo call a Fever game is headache-inducing,” one fan griped. But let’s be honest: it’s a Fever game, and Caitlin Clark is the headline act, by popularity and performance. If she were quiet, the mic would be too. But when she’s dropping dimes and burying logo threes, she deserves the airtime.

The criticism of Rebecca Lobo isn’t just about commentary. It’s about a league in transition. As Caitlin Clark reshapes WNBA narratives and brings in millions of new fans, the spotlight naturally follows her. Yes, ESPN broadcasters highlight her brilliance, but that’s because it is brilliant. But they do give just as much attention to the rest of the players.

At the same time, analysts must walk a fine line: celebrating a generational talent while not overshadowing the greatness already present in the league.