"Is the WNBA Implementing Fair Foul Policies? A Closer Look at Recent Player Penalties"

Upon reviewing the play, the WNBA has decided to elevate Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter's foul on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark to a flagrant-1 violation.

During the third quarter of Saturday's 71-70 win by the Fever, Carter delivered a shoulder shot to Clark, causing her to fall to the floor just before an inbound pass. The referees deemed it an away-from-the-ball foul and opted not to review the play, classifying it as a common foul at that moment.

“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 after the game.

Sky forward Angel Reese was fined $1,000 by the league for not making herself available to the media following Saturday's game. Additionally, Chicago was fined $5,000 by the WNBA for not ensuring that all players adhere to league media policies The league has the authority to reclassify a flagrant foul or elevate a foul to a flagrant one that was not initially called during the game. Furthermore, the league has the discretion to levy fines or suspend a player for committing a flagrant foul. Carter did not face any such consequences from the WNBA. During the regular season, players earn points for flagrant fouls and face suspensions once they accumulate a specific number. Following Saturday's game, Indiana coach Christie Sides commended Clark in her postgame interview for maintaining her composure despite the physical challenges she has encountered throughout the 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.” 

Reese had eight points and 13 rebounds. Clark finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.