Risking Their Necks

Top: Caitlin Clark is punched in the larynx while on the floor. No foul called.
Bottom: Sophie Cunningham clotheslined. Flagrant 2 foul called.

Fortunately, in neither case did serious injury occur. Emphasis on word fortunately. But we cannot rely on luck to prevent serious and potentially fatal injuries.

The neck is a highly vulnerable area. This is particularly true in women, who tend to have longer, more graceful necks. The spinal cord passes through the vertebrae. An injury can cause quadriplegia. Immediate immobilization may help prevent disaster.

A blow to the larynx can cause fracture or spasm. A crike, which paramedics may be allowed to do, is not indicated. A tracheotomy, which paramedics cannot do, may be needed. Blows to the larynx are illegal in MMA. But apparently they are just fine in the WNBA.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy watching sports. I lack sadistic, misogynistic impulses. So I no longer watch WNBA.