{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6818a0d4eb737caf8ca3e31e/6a3cd56fe1238e54b0556d4e?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Is WNBA Physical Play Out of Control?","description":"<p>Physicality has always been part of the WNBA—but where’s the line between tough competition and crossing it? Zena and Layshia unpack the league-wide conversation around physical play, breaking down recent technical fouls involving Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and others. They dive into the impact of officiating, player conduct, and sportsmanship, while exploring how the game’s physical style has evolved over the years. From aggressive defenses to referee decisions, the duo examines how players adjust, compete, and thrive in one of the toughest leagues in sports.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>REFERENCES:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7387331/2026/06/23/caitlin-clark-wnba-technical-fouls-game-future/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The fascinating case of Caitlin Clark vs. The WNBA: Who controls the spirit of the sport?</a> by Brian Hamilton</p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7385419/2026/06/23/caitlin-clark-blasts-officials-technical-foul-suspension/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Caitlin Clark blasts officials for ‘ridiculous’ tech, inches closer to suspension</a> by James Boyd</p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7390115/2026/06/24/caitlin-clark-technical-foul-wnba-fever-mercury/?source=emp_shared_article&amp;amp;unlocked_article_code=1.slA.S-GM.dQTYvSdZCwF3\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">WNBA will not rescind Caitlin Clark’s technical foul from Fever-Mercury game</a> by James Boyd</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Athletic"}