'This is where the monster was created': Caitlin Clark outburst at Iowa resurfaces amid Fever drama

'This is where the monster was created': Caitlin Clark outburst at Iowa resurfaces amid Fever drama originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>Fans and analysts continue to dissect Caitlin Clark's viral outburst toward Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White during Saturday's 100-84 loss to the expansion Portland Fire.

>Clark dismissed White's criticism of her defense and left the bench during a timeout after White called for rookie Raven Johnson to sub in during a particularly difficult stretch for the star guard. Clark endured one of the worst games of her three-year WNBA career in Portland, when she scored six points against five fouls and struggled to keep up as the Fire targeted her relentlessly on the defensive end.

>MORE: Caitlin Clark fans aren't happy with Fever star's whistle amid single-digit struggles

>Clark's frustration was evident, and the way she lashed out at White is nothing new to fans who have followed her since she enjoyed a record-breaking NCAA career at the University of Iowa.

>During a win over Illinois on Feb. 25, 2024, Clark threw a tantrum on the bench after Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder pulled her out of the game. Clark slapped Bluder's empty chair when she was subbed out in the first quarter; though she went on to record a triple-double, the images of Clark smacking the chair and throwing a water bottle to the ground have endured.

>“I think it was just missing shots that I usually make,” Clark said about her substitution that day. “Sometimes you have to let it out and regroup. I asked for the sub, just to take a second, take a deep breath. Obviously I didn't shoot it great tonight but still, it wasn't terrible.”

>

Caitlin Clark’s Coach pulls her out of the game in college.

This is where the monster was created.

Her college Coach was weak and passive, and her WNBA Coaches are suffering for it.

No one can coach this chic.

She does not respect ANY form of authority.

She talks to… pic.twitter.com/ir18K49DyA

— Hovah76 (@hovah76) June 1, 2026Clark's passion and competitive fire are factors that have drawn fans to her, in addition to her flashy playmaking and explosive scoring ability.

>But in her third WNBA season, Clark still has trouble channeling her emotions, and she isn't showing respect for her coaches. Her confrontation with White is the second in-game spat she has had with a Fever coach this season, and both have been centered on the same issue: her defense.

>The Fever are 4-4 and already are facing a crucial juncture of their season. Clark has to demonstrate growth as a professional, because right now, not even her 20.1 point-per-game average nor her per-game assists record is keeping her on the floor.

More WNBA news:Skip Bayless ignites Fever firestorm about firing Stephanie White after Caitlin Clark criticism

• >Fever's whole approach is setting Caitlin Clark up to fail

• >Stephanie White sends clear message about Indiana Fever veteran's role

• >Fever's Sophie Cunningham trash talk to Fire's Emily Engstler is apparently unspeakable