Iowa point guard Caitlin Clark is under a microscope after her collision with an Ohio State fan at Sunday’s game.
Clark and the unnamed fan crashed into each other when Buckeyes supporters stormed the court after No. 18 Ohio State upset No. 2 Iowa, 100-92, in overtime at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus — and some are debating about videos of the incident online.
Many came to Clark’s defense, but others also claimed the 22-year-old All-American appeared to embellish her reaction in the moment.
“I am a fan of Caitlin Clarke [sic] but this is a clear flop and fake,” Fox Sports radio host George Wrighster wrote, including a video clip showing the incident from a different angle.
“She’s an elite euro-stepping hooper and you mean to tell me she ran into this fan who tries to avoid last second.
“CC was mad about the loss and did something dumb. End of story.”
Clark was seen flailing her arms in the air as she spun around and fell to the floor when the collision occurred.
The fan also fell and landed on their stomach, as a security guard ran towards the scene.
“Zapruder conspiracies around the Caitlin Clark collision are another sign of women’s basketball getting even more mainstream,” The Athletic’s Chris Vannini wrote in a post on X. “Getting crazy people to break down individual frames and come to dumb conclusions means you’ve made it.”
Another Hawkeye fan wrote, “Hard to believe this is a controversial topic. You think Caitlin Clark, the best basketball player in the history of women’s basketball & the most recognized athlete in college right now, is flopping for attention?
“You may be the one seeking attention. Watch it real time.”
A record-breaking crowd of 18,660 fans attended Sunday’s game at Value City Arena, according to The Athletic.
Clark, who was not injured in the collision, explained that she felt lucky her teammates were nearby to help her exit the court — where she was seen doubled over.
“Kind of scary, could’ve caused a pretty serious injury to me and knocked the wind out of me, but luckily my teammates kind of picked me up and got me off the court,” Clark said in her postgame press conference.
“It comes with the territory. I’m sure they tried their best to do whatever they could. Obviously it didn’t work, and that’s disappointing. Just focused now on the game and ways we can get better.”
Clark added that Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith apologized to her for the incident and that she “really appreciated that.”
Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff also apologized to Clark and Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, and explained that the Buckeyes had security in place, but the fans storming the court beat them to it.
Bluder claimed Clark, who scored 45 points in the loss, was also harassed while leaving the court.
The Hawkeyes host the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday at 2 p.m.