Why Was Chennedy Carter “Kicked Off” 2 WNBA Teams? Amid Noise Around Caitlin Clark Push, Explore Her Problems With Discipline

A few days ago, the 2020 4th overall draft pick, Chennedy Carter, faced the wrath of social media after she shoved Indiana rookie Caitlin Clark to the floor. Since then, the moment has been recalled countless times as it is making rounds on the internet and the news alike, with prominent entities from the basketball world addressing the overblown issue. However, this wasn’t the first time Carter has pulled an act as such.

Notably, there have been a few incidents in the past where things escalated to a level of suspension for Carter. So, let’s dig into the details as the caskets from her past behavior open up.

Chennedy Carter’s history of walking on thin ice

“Due to conduct detrimental to the team, Chennedy Carter has been suspended until further notice,” was the notice that took everyone by storm in July 2021. It came after the Atlanta Dream’s coaching staff and the ownership suspended Chennedy Carter for having altercations with her former teammate, Courtney Williams.

The incident dates back to three years ago when Carter was approached by Williams on the bench during a game and asked to cheer for her teammates. Carter, who was already feeling disconnected, argued with Williams at the end of the first quarter.

Carter then dismissed herself from playing in the second quarter, went to the locker room, and stayed there for the rest of the game. The game was a success as Atlanta won. However, things weren’t as good for Carter. Feeling displeased about her time on the floor, she approached Williams.

Williams wasn’t interested in listening to Carter rant about her reduced playing time. In retaliation, Carter started making noises, calling Williams for a fight in the presence of their teammates. However, Williams took a step back, stating that she wasn’t looking for a fight, that too with anyone. She finally backed out and left.

As a result, no physical altercation occurred, but Carter faced the suspension until further notice that night itself. But this was not the first time when Carter had lost her temper with her teammates.

Carter’s disappointing spell in LA

Reportedly, she had previously encouraged a fight with her teammate during practice as well. Later on, Carter was traded to the LA Sparks for the 2022 season. However, things didn’t change. By that time, Carter had already built a reputation for taking things further than her colleagues.

After her trade to the Sparks, Chennedy Carter played 24 games in her one-year tenure with the franchise. She averaged 8.9 points, 1,9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in her time on the floor of 16.4 minutes per game. She was benched for her ‘poor conduct’. Her numbers dropped significantly as she was previously averaging 16.1 points, and 3.4 assists per game with the Dream. So. what’s the takeaway and how do these facts reflect on her current behavior, entailing Clark in a whirlwind of speculations?

It was undoubtedly an unfortunate sight for the fans, seeing two major league players having disruptions. Moreover, the league is much more than just Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark. Basketball is a physical and highly competitive game, where players will go after a loose ball, or trash talk to their opponents while they attempt a free throw after a foul. It’s a part and parcel of the sport as a whole.