The WNBA took further action against Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter Sunday, upgrading her foul against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark to a flagrant-1 violation after reviewing the play. The incident, which occurred during the third quarter of Saturday's game, sparked controversy and debate among fans and players alike.
Carter's foul, a shoulder shot that knocked Clark to the floor before an inbound pass, was initially called an away-from-the-ball foul and not reviewed during the game. The WNBA's decision to reclassify the foul as flagrant-1 highlights the seriousness of the offense, though no additional fines or suspensions were imposed on Carter, as reported by Chloe Peterson of the The Indianapolis Star.
In a post-game interview, Clark reflected on the incident, saying, “I wasn’t expecting it. It is what it is. It’s a physical game. Go make the free throw and execute on offense, and I feel like that’s kind of what we did.”
Carter, however, declined to answer questions about the play or her altercation with Clark.
“I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions. I don’t know what she said. I didn’t say anything.”
Christie Sides praises Caitlin Clark's handling of Chennedy Carter incident
The game ended with a narrow 71-70 victory for the Indiana Fever, but the hard foul quickly became the main storyline. Indiana coach Christie Sides praised Clark for maintaining her composure despite the physical play.
“We’re just going to keep sending these possessions to the league, and these plays, and hopefully they’ll start, you know, taking a better look at some of the things that we see happening, or we think is happening,” Sides said, per Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press. “Just more happy that Caitlin handled it the way she did. You know, it’s tough to keep getting hammered the way she does and to not get rewarded with free throws or foul calls. She’s continued to fight through that. Appreciate that from her. Really, really proud of her for doing that.”
Clark finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Carter led the Sky in scoring off the bench with 19 points, four rebounds and six assists. The Fever's Angel Reese added eight points and 13 rebounds, and rookie Camilla Cardoso made an impressive debut with 11 points and six rebounds.
The fallout from the foul extended beyond the court. The WNBA fined Sky forward Angel Reese $1,000 for failing to make herself available to the media after the game, and the Chicago Sky organization was fined $5,000 for not ensuring that all players complied with league media policies.
After the game Carter took to social media to address the backlash, stating, “I grew up with all brothers all we did is fight and argue. I love the hate more than the love what don't y'all understand. I'd rather you hate me (than) love me and I mean that on my dead aunt.”
Some fans pointed out that earlier in the game, Clark appeared to shove Carter in the back, suggesting that tensions had been building between the two players.
The Sky will have a chance to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next game against the New York Liberty Tuesday night. Their next encounter with the Fever is scheduled for June 16.
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