Caitlin Clark foul (photos via @TWDTV1 X)
Caitlin Clark has gained a reputation for playing extremely hard, no matter the situation. That means every now and then, there will be a foul with a bit more contact than usual.

That’s exactly what happened in this play between Clark and Phoenix Mercury veteran Kahleah Copper when they collided with each other in the paint as Copper was going for a layup.

Immediately after, Copper turns around and starts chirping at Clark. Although the exact words can’t be translated, it was enough for Clark to respond with, “It’s just a foul.”

Of course, as with everything surrounding Caitlin Clark and the WNBA, many online had very strong opinions about the situation.

“Am i tripping or is this literally just a normal smart foul? Lol. You are taught if you are going to foul make sure they have 0 chance to make it,” said one commenter.

“I mean if you are going to foul to prevent the layup you have to make sure they don’t get a real chance at a basket. Clean foul, maybe a slight overreaction from Copper here but not a big deal,” said another about Clark.

“Every basketball player is taught in 5th grade don’t let up an easy layup/ensure they don’t make it. Copper knows this. Every player knows this (and expects it). The after the foul act is all for show,” added a third.

This whole reaction is probably chalked up to many veterans still not respecting Clark.

It’s not as if this is the first time veterans have shown their dislike for Clark.

“There’s levels to this thing. And that’s just life, we all went through it,” Diana Taurasi told Scott Van Pelt in April. “You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time.”

Of course, when such a young talent comes into the game with so much attention, there’s likely to be some animosity.