The Indiana Fever said they had no contact with a group of congresspeople who wrote a letter to the WNBA concerning the treatment of Caitlin Clark.

Three Indiana representatives were among the 11 to sign the letter, which included the possibility of Department of Justice investigations into the league if it doesn’t “protect” Clark.

“Republicans have consistently led the charge on protecting women’s sports, and this letter urges the WNBA to ensure female athletes are adequately protected and that the court remains a professional environment for its players,” the letter said. “Members are making clear that if this violent targeting continues unchecked, the league could face a crackdown from the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for violations of federal civil rights law.”

“Our organization nor Caitlin have had any interaction in this congressional group and we were unaware of their letter,” the Fever’s statement said.

Clark was on the floor battling for a loose ball on June 24 when Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury placed her fist on Clark’s throat. No call was made during the play, but the league later suspended Thomas for one game.

The incident and the league’s response prompted online furor from both Clark fans and detractors, and Thomas said she had received death threats. Even President Donald Trump chimed in on the issue.

Clark has said she thought the play warranted a flagrant foul call, but that no player deserves online harassment like Thomas received.

Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury photos as Caitlin Clark, DeWanna Bonner meet

The Fever and Mercury met again Wednesday after a tense fourth quarter two days prior. Here’s a view of the latest meeting.

Clark (back) missed two games following the incident but was available for the Fever’s game Wednesday, July 8, against the Los Angeles Sparks. The Fever are scheduled to play the Mercury on Thursday, July 9, which Clark will miss as part of her injury recovery.

What Indiana congresspeople said about WNBA protecting Caitlin Clark

Indiana congresspeople Erin Houchin, Marlin Stutzman and Victoria Spartz co-signed the letter.

From Stutzman: “If it were not for Caitlin Clark the WNBA would still be irrelevant and possibly even defunct. Caitlin, and every player, deserves to know that when they walk on the court they are protected from unnecessary physical hostility and violence. Commissioner Engelbert is responsible for the safety of the women in her league, she should act swiftly to keep them all protected from the thug-like violence Caitlin Clark has fallen victim to.”

From Spartz: “Caitlin Clark has made Hoosiers proud and inspired countless young girls across the nation to believe they belong on the court. The WNBA has a responsibility to ensure every player competes in a fair and safe environment, and its actions — not just its words — must reflect that.”

Indiana Fever statement on Congress Caitlin Clark WNBA protection

The Indiana Fever issued the following statement as a result:

“Our organization nor Caitlin have had any interaction with anyone in this congressional group and we were unaware of their letter.

“We have been clear in our public comments and in our ongoing dialogue with the League about the priority of player safety.

“Our players and our fans know where we stand on those issues and we will continue to stick up for our team and a standard of excellence across the league.”