At least that's what an outraged Michael Slater has alleged while reacting to the enterprising batsman's dropping from the list of 25 elite players.
Slater, a former opening batsman, hinted that the 35-year-old Katich, who was dropped despite a reasonably good Test record, paid for the dressing room showdown with Clarke in 2009.
"I think he has been appallingly hung," Slater was quoted as saying to 'Fox Sports'.
"Maybe the new captain (Clarke) hasn't been a great supporter but I don't think that can be blamed for him (Katich) not making the list of contracted players," he said.
Slater also rejected Cricket Australia's explanation that the left-hander was not included in the list because of his age.
"If his replacement came in scoring hundreds and was red hot, then I can understand an injury stopping someone in their mid-30s," Slater said.
"But that clearly hasn't happened. The system that is being reviewed at the moment around the country - what are they reviewing?” he added.
"The first thing they should be reviewing is the selectors and the selection process and I'd start with the chairman of selectors (Andrew Hilditch)," he said.
But an outraged CA rubbished Slater's claims that the Katich-Clarke showdown had any bearing on the list of contracted players.
"It's absolute nonsense. It's hardly worth dignifying with a response," CA public affairs manager Peter Young said.
"The selection panel reports direct to the board and is independent of the influence of players, administrators, states or anybody else. Anyone who knows Andrew Hilditch would know that it's a joke," he added.
After a thrilling win over South Africa, the Aussie celebrations turned ugly when Clarke and Katich had to be separated by teammates when the former grabbed the latter by the throat during an argument over the singing of the team song.
It is understood Clarke had wanted the song sung early so he could leave to be with family and his then girlfriend Lara Bingle and it was this persistence that irked Katich.
Warne backs sacked Katich
Cricket Australia should not have stopped at just Katich while axing the mid 30’s from its list of contracted players, feels spin legend Shane Warne.
The 35-year-old's dropping from the list has prompted strong reactions from a lot of former players, who believe that the veteran left-hander has been given the cold shoulder despite being in reasonably good form.
In fact, Katich is expected to make an announcement on his future on Thursday and speculation is rife that he might retire.
Warne said he was also disappointed by CA's decision but could understand the reasons behind it.
"Katich losing his contract was a bit disappointing because I think he's been a true performer for a while. But I understand the logic of leaving him out," Warne told radio station 'Triple M'.
"The one thing about Cricket Australia I would say, and the current (group); if you're going to say you're in transition, I think for the fans and the public and everyone out there who wants to support the Australian cricket team, let's see some youngsters in there," he added.
Warne did not take names but the mid 30’s in the latest list of contracted players include the likes of former captain Ricky Ponting and middle-order batsman Michael Hussey.
"Don't hang on to the older guys in there, say 'we're in transition, give us a bit of time', but have 35 or 37-year-olds still playing Test cricket or one-day cricket. Get them in there, to get some experience and say 'we're in transition”, he added.
"Let's stop sliding down to No. 5 in the world, we keep playing the same players but saying 'we're in transition', it doesn't work," Warne concluded.
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