Caitlin Clark faces one-game suspension after eighth technical foul in Fever's win over Sky
Caitlin Clark's eighth technical foul of the season, assessed after contact with an official in Saturday's win over Chicago, triggers an automatic one-game suspension unless the WNBA rescinds it.
Caitlin Clark received her eighth technical foul of the season during the Indiana Fever's game against the Chicago Sky on Saturday, after contact with a game official. Eight technicals trigger an automatic one-game WNBA suspension unless the league rescinds the call. The Fever are appealing.
Caitlin Clark received her eighth technical foul of the season during the Indiana Fever's game against the Chicago Sky on Saturday, a call that followed contact between Clark and a game official. Under WNBA rules, an eighth technical triggers an automatic one-game suspension unless the league rescinds it. The technical came late in the third quarter of a game the Fever won 90-86, according to reports. Multiple outlets described the call as soft or controversial, and the Fever are appealing it. The same game saw Chicago's DiJonai Carrington ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul on Indiana's Sophie Cunningham; shortly afterward, Carrington posted the words "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on social media and tagged the Fever. The stakes are immediate. If the technical stands, Clark would miss the Fever's home game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, reports say. The league has not yet said whether it will rescind the call, leaving one of the WNBA's biggest stars in limbo days before a marquee matchup.
Clark's eighth technical of the season draws scrutiny
Caitlin Clark was assessed her eighth technical foul of the season late in the third quarter of Saturday's game against the Chicago Sky, according to reports. The call followed contact between Clark and a game official, though what exactly she said or did in the exchange has not been detailed. Multiple outlets described the technical as controversial or soft, and the Indiana Fever have appealed the call, per reports.
The technical came in a game the Fever went on to win 90-86 over the Sky, according to reports, with both Clark and Kelsey Mitchell contributing to the victory. Because it was Clark's eighth technical of the season, the call carries consequences beyond Saturday night: league rules make an eighth technical an automatic trigger for a one-game suspension, unless the WNBA rescinds it. That question now hangs over the Fever, who have formally challenged the assessment while awaiting the league's decision.
Automatic suspension looms unless the WNBA rescinds the call
Under WNBA rules, an eighth technical foul in a season carries an automatic one-game suspension. Clark's only route out of it is for the league to rescind the call, which was assessed after contact with a game official late in the third quarter against Chicago.
The Fever are appealing the technical, according to reports, though the league has not yet announced a decision. If the call stands, multiple outlets report that Clark would serve the suspension during the Fever's home game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday.
That leaves Indiana in limbo. Clark is central to the team's offense, and losing her for a game against the Liberty would be a significant blow. Several outlets described the technical itself as soft or controversial, which may factor into the league's review. For now, the outcome of the appeal remains unknown, and the Fever must prepare for Tuesday without knowing whether their star guard will be available.
Carrington ejected for Flagrant 2, then posts 'WHITE PRIVILEGE'
The game produced a second flashpoint. Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul on Indiana's Sophie Cunningham, a hard foul serious enough to warrant an automatic ejection under league rules.
Cunningham, who joined the Fever after playing her college basketball at Missouri, was the target of the contact that ended Carrington's night.
The incident did not end there. Shortly after her ejection, Carrington posted the words "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on social media and tagged the Fever's account, an apparent reference to the circumstances of the game or her dismissal.
Whether the WNBA will take any action in response to the post is not yet known. The league has not announced any disciplinary review of Carrington's social media activity following the game.
What happens next for Clark and the Fever
The next move belongs to the league. The WNBA must decide whether to rescind the technical foul assessed to Clark late in the third quarter of Saturday's game in Chicago, a call that followed contact with a game official. According to reports, the Fever have appealed the technical, and the outcome of that appeal will determine whether the automatic one-game suspension takes effect. Indiana won the game 90-86, with Kelsey Mitchell and Clark contributing, according to reports, while Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham and later posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on social media, tagging the Fever. If the technical stands, reports indicate Clark would serve the suspension Tuesday, when the Fever host the New York Liberty.
Caitlin Clark was assessed her eighth technical foul of the season late in the third quarter against the Chicago Sky, following contact with a game official.
Chicago Sky player DiJonai Carrington was ejected after a Flagrant 2 foul on Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham.
Carrington posted the words 'WHITE PRIVILEGE' on social media and tagged the Fever.
The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 90-86, with Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark contributing to the win.
The Indiana Fever appealed the technical foul assessed to Clark, which would trigger an automatic one-game suspension unless rescinded.
Clark's potential suspension would be served during the Fever's home game against the New York Liberty.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Caitlin Clark get a technical foul against the Chicago Sky?
Caitlin Clark received her eighth technical foul of the season during the Indiana Fever's game against the Chicago Sky on Saturday. The call came late in the third quarter following contact between Clark and a game official. Multiple outlets described the technical as controversial or soft. The Fever went on to win the game 90-86.
Is Caitlin Clark suspended for her eighth technical foul?
Yes, unless the WNBA rescinds the call. An eighth technical foul triggers an automatic one-game suspension under league rules. The Indiana Fever are appealing the technical, according to reports, so the suspension only takes effect if the call stands. The league's decision on the appeal was not yet known.
What game would Caitlin Clark miss because of the suspension?
If the suspension stands, Clark would miss the Fever's home game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, according to reports. Whether she ultimately plays depends on the outcome of Indiana's appeal of the technical foul. The WNBA had not announced a decision on rescinding the call.
What happened with DiJonai Carrington in the Fever-Sky game?
DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky was ejected after committing a Flagrant 2 foul on Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham. Shortly after her ejection, Carrington posted the words 'WHITE PRIVILEGE' on social media and tagged the Fever. It is not yet known whether the league will take any action over the post.
Who won the Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky game?
The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 90-86 on Saturday. Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark contributed to the win, according to reports. The game also featured Clark's eighth technical foul of the season in the third quarter and the ejection of Chicago's DiJonai Carrington for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham.
Compiled from reporting by 9 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
