WNBA penalizes Chennedy Carter for foul on Caitlin Clark and fines Angel Reese for skipping postgame interview

The WNBA has upgraded Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s foul against Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark to a flagrant-1 violation after reviewing the play. The incident occurred during the third quarter of Saturday’s game, which was won by the Fever. Carter was called for a shoulder shot that knocked Clark to the floor before an inbound pass. Originally deemed a common foul, it has now been upgraded to a flagrant-1 violation.

Clark expressed surprise at the foul but acknowledged the physical nature of the game, saying she needed to focus on making the free throws and executing on offense. Carter did not address the play or Clark in postgame comments. The league fined Angel Reese of the Sky $1,000 for not being available to the media after the game. Chicago was also fined $5,000 for not ensuring all players followed media policies.

The league reserves the right to reclassify fouls or upgrade them to flagrant fouls after reviewing the play. Players can be fined or suspended for flagrant fouls, but Carter did not receive any additional punishment. Players receive points for flagrant fouls and can face suspensions if they accumulate a certain number.

Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides called the incident a non-basketball play that should have been called in the moment. She praised Clark for keeping her composure through physical play and asking officials to review the foul. Clark finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Reese had eight points and 13 rebounds. Clark credited her ability to withstand physical play to her background of playing basketball with boys.