WNBA Review Upgrades Foul on Caitlin Clark, Fines Angel Reese for Media Breach
3 min read
Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images | ncaa
The WNBA showdown between rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has sports fans buzzing about their recent game. The intense matchup saw a controversial incident involving Clark, who experienced a hard foul in the third quarter. During an inbounds play, Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter blindsided Clark with a forceful shoulder check from behind. Initially deemed a common foul by referees, the league office later reviewed and upgraded the call to a Flagrant 1 on Carter.
Caitlin Clark addressed the incident after the Fever’s narrow 71-70 victory, stating, “I wasn’t anticipating that. But the key is to respond, stay composed, and let your performance speak for itself. It is what it is.” Carter responded to the situation on Threads, seemingly taking a jab at Clark by asking, “Other than her three-point shooting, what else can she offer, man?” followed by a crying/laughing emoji.
Okay, this IS HATING on Caitlin Clark. Face guarding, extremely aggressive play and the occasional hard foul can be describe as competitiveness. Going out of your way to call her out of her name and body check her to the floor without the ball is HATING. https://t.co/osFk320wMp
pic.twitter.com/cRtiSnDVkm— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 1, 2024Advertisement
The game also saw Angel Reese facing backlash on social media for celebrating on the Sky bench immediately after Carter’s collision with Clark. Reese’s actions drew criticism, and she declined to speak with reporters following the game, resulting in a $1,000 fine. Additionally, the Sky were fined $5,000 for Reese’s breach of the WNBA media policy.
This game marked the inaugural professional confrontation between Clark and Reese, who had previously faced off in the NCAA Tournament over the past two years. Clark finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, showcasing her well-rounded skills despite the hard foul. Reese, on the other hand, contributed eight points and secured an impressive 13 rebounds.
Angel Reese hopping off the bench to throw a parade for Caitlin Clark’s murder is crazy lollll pic.twitter.com/NKj5Ur7PZG
— Eric Nathan (@BarstoolNate) June 1, 2024Advertisement
The incident has sparked discussions about player conduct and the enforcement of media policies in the WNBA. The league’s decision to upgrade Carter’s foul to a Flagrant 1 underscores its commitment to player safety and fair play. Meanwhile, the fines imposed on Reese and the Sky highlight the importance of adhering to media obligations, ensuring that players remain accessible and accountable to the public and press.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these rising stars to see how they continue to navigate their professional careers and handle the pressures of high-stakes games. The dynamic between Caitlin Clark and Reese, already a compelling storyline from their NCAA days, adds another layer of intrigue to the WNBA season, promising more excitement and drama for fans.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
