The WNBA recently upgraded the foul committed by Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky against Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, after a thorough review of the incident. The play occurred during the third quarter of a game on June 1, 2024, which the Fever won 71-70. Carter’s shoulder check to Clark, which caused the rookie to fall to the ground, was initially ruled a common foul by the officials. However, after further consideration, the league classified it as a flagrant-1 foul. This decision comes after the game, as the initial call had not been reviewed on the spot.
Caitlin Clark expressed her surprise at the physicality of the play but maintained a composed attitude afterward, focusing on executing her game rather than dwelling on the incident. She acknowledged the intensity of the match and stated that it was simply part of the sport. Despite the physical nature of the game, Clark continued to play and finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Chennedy Carter, however, defended her actions in a post-game interview. She explained that her competitive nature led to the heated moment on the court, emphasizing that it was simply part of the game. Carter also addressed criticism that she had received, urging people not to judge her based on isolated moments but to understand her passion for basketball and the context of the game. She also noted that players who truly know her would vouch for her character.
The Chicago Sky’s head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, commented on the incident, acknowledging the physicality and competitive spirit that define the team’s style of play. She emphasized that while Carter’s actions were not in line with the team’s standards, she understood the heat of the moment and would learn from the situation. Weatherspoon further stated that there are better ways to handle similar situations on the court, and the team would move forward with those lessons in mind.
In addition to the upgraded foul on Carter, the WNBA imposed fines on Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky organization. Reese was fined $1,000 for failing to make herself available to the media after the game, and the team itself was fined $5,000 for not ensuring compliance with league media policies. The WNBA has a system in place where flagrant fouls can be reviewed and upgraded, and players may face suspensions if they accumulate enough flagrant foul points during the season. Despite the upgrade of Carter’s foul, no suspension was imposed on her.
Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides also weighed in on the situation, stating that the foul was a non-basketball play that should have been called at the moment. She praised Caitlin Clark for maintaining her composure and handling the situation professionally. Clark, who grew up playing basketball in a physical environment, has become accustomed to tough plays and knows how to handle them. Despite the challenges, she remained focused on the game and did not let the incident distract her from her performance on the court.
