Fact check: Caitlyn Clark was one of the most fouled players in the WNBA this past season and was the player who received the most blatant fouls.

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

While Caitlyn Clark did receive 5 flagrant fouls in her rookie WNBA season (representing 17.1% of all flagrant fouls in the league), the data doesn't support the claim that she was "the most fouled player" or that these fouls were particularly "blatant." The probability of receiving this many flagrant fouls was calculated as 1 in 100,000.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• Video analysis of the fouls suggests most were incidental rather than intentional, with only two fouls (by Chennedy Carter and Diamond DeShields) warranting closer scrutiny
• Clark herself has acknowledged some fouls as "just part of basketball"
• Multiple factors contribute to the high number of flagrant fouls:

Clark's unique offensive style requires more intense defensive responses

Referees may be more protective of high-profile players

• The intense media spotlight on Clark may amplify the perception of targeting

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The original statement contains several misleading elements that serve to create a narrative of victimization:

• It presents correlation as causation by assuming the high number of flagrant fouls means intentional targeting
• It omits that only 2 out of 5 flagrant fouls showed potential signs of deliberate targeting
• The term "blatant" implies intentionality without supporting evidence
• Media organizations and Clark's supporters benefit from pushing a "targeting" narrative, as it generates more engagement and fan support

This appears to be a case where intense media scrutiny and fan attention have amplified a normal aspect of professional basketball into a potentially misleading narrative.