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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Last week, the WNBA had a spot under the spotlight after on-court drama and controversy related to the league and its perceived treatment or mistreatment of star player Caitlin Clark.
Several incidents brought backlash against the league and its officiating. One involved a perceived snub by the WNBA for leaving Clark off their 30th anniversary poster, which featured many other star players, past and present.
Major controversy arose from the Indiana Fever's game against the Phoenix Mercury, due to the Mercury's Alyssa Thomas appearing to drive her fist into Clark's throat while the Fever star was on her back on the court.
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There wasn't a foul called over the incident, but upon backlash from many individuals, including outraged fans on social media, the league reviewed the incident and issued a Flagrant Foul 2 to Thomas with a one-game suspension.
With all of that going on, a recent video clip featuring WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, has brought some major criticism over her comments about the "face of the WNBA."
Read more: Mercury Star Gets Honest on Alyssa Thomas Suspension for Caitlin Clark Play
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Leslie, who works with CBS Sports as a studio analyst for the network's WNBA coverage, spoke about how Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson has been dominant this season, and also in previous seasons.
She pointed out that Wilson has scored 69% of the Aces' points in the paint over the past five years. She's currently averaging 25.7 points per game this season, which leads the league. Leslie also ranks fourth in the WNBA with 9.4 rebounds per game, and first in blocks, averaging two per game.
"She deserves all of the glory that she gets, the commercials, all of the things, this is the face of the WNBA," Leslie stated.
However, fans and critics fired back with comments on CBS Sports' video clip, including many who said that Clark is more deserving of being called the "Face of the WNBA."
"She’s the best player in the league, not the face of the league. Big difference," one commenter replied.
"The face? How about we ask a random sample of 1 million across the world who A’ja is vs CC," another commenter suggested.
Someone replied, "Yall wish it was. It's not. Let me know when A'ja Wilson sells out an NBA arena. Just delusional."
Leslie's comments definitely sparked debates among commenters, with others agreeing that she is the face of the league or the greatest of all time in the WNBA.
"Aja Wilson is the undisputed goat if you don’t watch her you are missing out on greatness," an X commenter said.
For her career, Wilson has clearly shown her capabilities and how much of a superstar she is in the WNBA. She's a three-time WNBA champion with the Aces, and a four-time WNBA MVP, including winning it the past two seasons.
With the Aces currently in second place in the WNBA with a record of 14-5, Wilson's averages and the team's success seem to give her strong potential to win the MVP award for a fifth time, along with a fourth championship.
Meanwhile, Clark is in her third year in the league and has yet to claim an MVP award or a championship. Still, her undeniable popularity has led to plenty of ticket and merchandise sales, TV viewership, and attention from fans and critics.
More news: Dream Coach Calls Out WNBA Officials Over Angel Reese Disrespect After Loss
For more about the WNBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
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