Fact Check: Did Chennedy Carter Get Fined $25 by WNBA Over Caitlin Clark Foul?

The game between Indiana and Chicago surely turned out to be a fiery contest. However, it was not only because the game went down to the wire but also because of the physical altercation between Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark. Soon after the final buzzer, there were huge demands on social media to penalize Carter for her actions. But, the WNBA has not officially indicated any signs of its involvement in this regard. Still, the viral nature of the incident has paved the way for rumors and fake news to gain a lot of traction.

A fake account using the name of senior lead NBA Insider for the Athletic, Shams Charania was among the first to circulate the news that the league has stepped in. In an X post, the account stated that the WNBA plans to fine Carter for her on-court antics with Clark. The post says, “The WNBA says they are fining Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter, $25 dollars, for an altercation with Caitlin Clark earlier this evening, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.” 

This tweet has 2.6 million+ views, 35K likes, and has been reposted more than 3k times. Many fans in the comments section have also been left infuriated with the supposed developments. Anyhow, there is nothing conclusive that has come to the surface and this development is incorrect. In addition to this, there has been no official word from the league until now. Also, many of the trusted sources have not published any such disciplinary steps taken so far.

The whole discussion revolves around what transpired between Clark and Carter late in the third quarter during Saturday’s game. After connecting on her mid-range jumper, Carter charged towards Clark from behind and forcefully shouldered her to the ground as the Iowa alumnae was getting ready for the inbound pass. This was after both had a competitive back-and-forth battle for the possession seconds earlier. The away-from-the-ball call didn’t lead to a flagrant or technical foul against Chicago’s No.7.

Nonetheless, Indiana was awarded 1 free throw and the possession as is the rule when an away-from-the-ball foul is called. Clark made the free-throw, which turned out to be the final point in the quarter for either team.

Meanwhile, the 6-foot guard is trying not to let the on-court drama affect her in any way.

Caitlin Clark remains focused

The skirmish didn’t prevent Clark from securing an impressive 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists that proved crucial for the hosts in the end. Moreover, she was 4 of 11 from the field and connected on 2 out of her 9 beyond-the-arc attempts.

Reflecting more on the incident as well as her game, Clark said, “I’m trying not to let it bother me, and just stay in the game and stay in what’s important. I’m just trying to stay in the game and focus on my team and focus on what’s important.” 

Simultaneously, head coach Christie Sides and the Fever’s GM Lin Dunn extended heavy criticisms. While Sides termed Carter’s act “unacceptable,” Dunn wants the WNBA to carry out appropriate measures. The episode is surely receiving a lot of attention. While there has been a contrasting outlook by many, a legitimate perspective hasn’t been provided by the WNBA. Till then, the matter remains at large.