New York sportscaster takes subtle jab at Caitlin Clark amid no-foul call in Fever’s loss to Liberty

The Indiana Fever’s latest matchup against the New York Liberty was supposed to be another showcase for rookie phenom Caitlin Clark. Instead, it turned into another night of controversy—and some thinly veiled shade from New York’s own sports media.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Fever trailing by just two points, Clark drove hard to the basket and appeared to get bumped by Liberty defender Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. The crowd at Barclays Center held its breath, expecting a whistle. None came. Clark, arms outstretched, looked incredulously at the referee as the Liberty secured the rebound and eventually iced the game at the free throw line.

After the final buzzer, social media erupted. Fever fans and WNBA analysts called out the missed call, with #FreeCaitlin trending on X (formerly Twitter). But not everyone was sympathetic—especially not in New York.

During the postgame wrap-up on the local sports network, veteran sportscaster Mike Russo couldn’t resist a sly dig at the rookie sensation. “Well, I guess in New York, you’ve got to earn your calls,” Russo quipped, eyebrow raised. “Maybe next time, Clark will try taking the ball a little stronger to the rim instead of looking for the whistle.”

Russo’s comment, delivered with a trademark smirk, quickly made the rounds online. Some saw it as a playful jab, others as a not-so-subtle critique of Clark’s style—one that’s drawn both admiration and criticism since her days at Iowa. “Caitlin Clark’s getting the true New York welcome,” one Liberty fan joked on social media. “No free passes here.”

Clark, for her part, kept her composure in the postgame press conference. “It’s part of the game,” she said. “You’re not always going to get the calls. I’ve got to finish through contact and keep playing.”

Still, the moment highlighted the growing spotlight—and scrutiny—on Clark’s every move. As the WNBA’s most talked-about rookie, she’s learning that in the league’s toughest arenas, respect isn’t given; it’s earned, one hard-fought possession at a time. And in New York, the message from the media is clear: no special treatment—no matter how big the name.