Caitlin Clark has once again found herself at the center of controversy. The Indiana Fever star took another hard hit during Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, a play that prompted an official review and reignited the debate over the physical treatment of the WNBA‘s biggest star.

The incident occurred during the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Clark was defending veteran guard Chelsea Gray in the post when Gray used a pair of fakes and, in the course of the move, appeared to catch Clark in the torso with an elbow before spinning into her shot.

The sequence ultimately worked in Gray’s favor, as the officials called a foul on Clark. However, the Fever guard immediately collapsed to the floor, visibly in pain after absorbing the contact.

The referees reviewed the play… but upheld the call

After getting back to her feet, Clark immediately approached the officials to protest the play. The officiating crew reviewed the sequence for a potential hostile act but ultimately upheld the original ruling, leaving the common foul on Clark and issuing no additional penalty.

Many viewed the contact as a routine basketball play. However, virtually every physical play involving Clark has drawn heightened scrutiny because of the attention surrounding the Indiana Fever superstar.

Another chapter after the Alyssa Thomas controversy

The incident comes just days after Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas struck Clark in the throat during another game.

Following a league review, the WNBA upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 foul and suspended Thomas for one game, a decision that intensified the ongoing debate over whether officials are doing enough to protect the league’s young superstar.

The controversy has even reached the political arena. A group of Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, requesting answers regarding the physical treatment Clark has endured throughout the season.

Now, the elbow from Chelsea Gray—a six-time All-Star and four-time WNBA champion—once again places the spotlight on WNBA officiating and could provide fresh ammunition for those who believe the league must do more to protect one of its marquee players.