In the wake of the Indiana Fever’s narrow 71-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday afternoon, the WNBA has upgraded Chennedy Carter’s foul on No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark to a Flagrant 1. Despite the severity of the foul, Carter will not face any fines.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter. After making a mid-range jumper, Carter threw a shoulder into Clark’s back, causing her to fall to the ground. The two guards had been engaged in a competitive exchange for several possessions, but there seemed to be no justification for Carter’s escalation.
During the game, the referees reviewed the play but did not upgrade it to a flagrant or technical foul. They classified it as an “away from the play” foul since it happened before the ball was inbounded.
Post-game, Carter declined to discuss the incident. Here’s her exchange with reporter Matthew Byrne:
Byrne: “On the play before bumping into Caitlin, it seemed like she turned to you a little bit. After—”
Carter: “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions.”
Byrne: “Did she say anything to you?”
Carter: “I don’t know what she said.”
Byrne: “What did you say to her?”
Carter: “I didn’t say anything.”
Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon ended the interaction at this point.
Clark, in an interview between the third and fourth quarters, described the foul as “not a basketball play” and added, “Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that. But it’s just like, respond, calm down and let your play do the talking. It is what it is. It’s a physical game, go make the free throw and then execute on offense. Feel like that’s what we did.”
Clark also discussed the overall physicality she faces in her career. Earlier in the week, she voiced concerns about a double standard regarding contact from opponents. Reflecting on the Carter incident, she explained her approach:
“It is what it is. I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate. Just let them hit you, be what it is, don’t let it get in your head and know it’s coming. I think at this point, I know I’m gonna take a couple hard shots a game, and that’s what it is. I’m trying not to let it bother me, and just stay in the game and stay in what’s important. Because usually it’s the second person that gets caught if you retaliate or something. I’m just trying to stay in the game and focus on my team and focus on what’s important.”
Fever head coach Christie Sides called Carter’s foul “unacceptable” on social media and demanded that “something has to be done.”
Clark finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists as the Fever improved their record to 2-8.
MOST KEY POST
Incident Review:
- WNBA upgraded Chennedy Carter’s foul on Caitlin Clark to a Flagrant 1.
- No fine was imposed on Carter.
The Foul:
- Occurred in the third quarter of the Indiana Fever’s 71-70 win over the Chicago Sky.
- Carter threw a shoulder into Clark’s back, causing her to fall.
- Initially reviewed by referees during the game but not upgraded to flagrant or technical.
Post-Game Reactions:
- Carter refused to discuss the incident in post-game interviews.
- Clark described the foul as “not a basketball play” and emphasized staying calm and focusing on her game.
- Clark expressed ongoing frustration with the physicality she faces and a perceived double standard.
Coaching Reactions:
- Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon cut off Carter’s interview.
- Fever head coach Christie Sides called the foul “unacceptable” on social media.
Game Stats:
- Caitlin Clark finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
- The Indiana Fever improved to a 2-8 record.