Former NBA Doctor Warns Caitlin Clark Faces 10-20 Pound Throat Injury Risk

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 2

Nicholas DiNubile, a former 76ers physician, said Caitlin Clark faces potentially life-threatening danger from repeated hard contact, warning that 10 to 20 pounds of pressure can damage the throat or larynx.
The warning followed Clark's latest incident — a punch to the throat by Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas that went uncalled — while Clark is already sidelined with a back injury.
DiNubile said the bigger pattern includes hits to Clark's face, eye pokes, dangerous encroachment into her landing space and concussion risks from falls, adding she has little ability to protect herself in those situations.
Fox News Digital said it documented 13 controversial contact incidents involving Clark since her 2024 rookie season, including multiple eye pokes and a ruptured eardrum she previously disclosed.
The doctor said referees and the WNBA must do more to protect Clark, even as commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Fever coach Stephenie White publicly focused this week on condemning abuse directed at Thomas.