Chennedy appears to be urging the WNBA to suspend Caitlin Clark
In a dramatic development that has captivated the basketball world, WNBA player Chennedy Carter has called for the suspension of Caitlin Clark, the standout guard for the Indiana Fever. This comes after Clark received her fifth technical foul of the season, a situation that Carter argues highlights troubling inconsistencies in the league’s disciplinary approach.
The latest controversy unfolded during a recent game where Clark, a player known for her fiery demeanor and competitive edge, was penalized with her fifth technical foul of the season. The technical was issued by the referee for what was described as “disrepectful”.
Chennedy Carter, who has established herself as a “vocal advocate for fairness and consistency within the league”, took to social media to express her frustration. “Do something, where’s the fairness?” Carter wrote, questioning the league’s approach to officiating and player discipline. However, the comment was deleted after a few minutes.
Chennedy Carter’s foul on Caitlin Clark upgraded by WNBA
The WNBA on Sunday upgraded Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s foul against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark to a flagrant-1 violation after reviewing the play.
Carter gave a shoulder shot to Clark before an inbound pass during the third quarter of Saturday’s 71-70 win by the Fever. The officials called it an away-from-the-ball foul and didn’t review the play. It was deemed a common foul at the time.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Clark said after the game. “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 didn’t answer questions about Clark or the play postgame.
The league fined Sky forward Angel Reese $1,000 for failing to make herself available to the media after Saturday’s game. The WNBA also fined Chicago $5,000 for failing to ensure that all players comply with league media policies.
The league office may reclassify a flagrant foul or upgrade a foul to a flagrant one that isn’t called during the game. In addition, the league may impose a fine or suspend a player for a flagrant foul. The WNBA didn’t do either to Carter.
Players accumulate points for flagrant fouls during the regular season and receive suspensions if they reach a certain number.
Indiana coach Christie Sides praised Clark in her postgame interview Saturday for keeping her composure through all the physical play she’s faced this season.
“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,” she said. “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 with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Reese had eight points and 13 rebounds.
