Caitlin Clark, star Iowa hoops guard, comments on controversial technical foul call

Caitlin Clark addressed a technical foul that she received in Iowa’s win over Northwestern on Wednesday night.

The technical foul was assessed to Clark in the 3rd quarter after she expressed frustration with herself for missing a shot. The officials blew the whistle on Clark and Northwestern guard Jasmine McWilliams missed the technical free throws for the Wildcats.

Caitlin Clark on a technical foul that appeared to be self-frustration, and nothing more.

"In women's basketball… People need to play with passion, people need to play with that fire, that's what it's about, that's who I am." @jtlinder the Q. pic.twitter.com/Y0R9BhVt5D

— Jack Lido (@JackLido) January 12, 2023

In a postgame press conference, Clark discussed the technical foul that was issued and why she received it:

“In women’s basketball… People need to play with passion, people need to play with that fire, that’s what it’s about, that’s who I am,” Clark said.

The technical foul did not prevent Iowa from securing a 93-64 win over Northwestern. Clark continued to play after the foul and she finished the game with 20 points, 14 assists, and 9 rebounds. She led Iowa in points, assists, and rebounds.

Caitlin Clark got a technical foul for saying “Damn it” to herself after a missed shot.

That would NEVER be called in the men’s game.

Fix this @bigten

— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) January 12, 2023

The reason why Clark received the foul was because she said “Damn it” to herself when she missed a shot. The technical foul was controversial since critics believed that it was unnecessary.

Even with the technical foul, Clark managed to record her 5th double-double of the season for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is set to host Penn State on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET.