Caitlin Clark found an advocate on Monday in the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board.
The paper’s editorial board ran a full defense of the Indiana Fever rookie after she was hip-checked to the floor by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter in the third quarter of Saturday’s game, likening Carter’s foul to assault.
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Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) is whistled for a flagrant foul for taking down Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 1, 2024. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“The foul committed by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter was egregious,” the article read. “Outside of a sports game, it would have been considered assault. Even within the context of sports, it was egregious. Before the ball was inbounded, Carter came up behind Clark and pushed her in the hips, knocking her down. Lip readers interpreted the five-letter curse word dancing on the Sky player’s lips. She should have been ejected from the game.”
of Editorial Committee He added that Clark had done nothing to deserve the way he had been treated.
The article also said Clark is carrying more pressure than most players in the league and called for other players to deal with situations like Carter’s foul before they get out of hand.
“They are people, and in Clark’s case, she is a rookie carrying more pressure than most, if not all, of the league,” the article read. “She has to play to her own ability, but basketball has rules, and if the WNBA were to chastise and spat on her to protect her from racial animus and the kind of fouls Carter committed for fear of being called a racist, it would do a great disservice to a basketball world that is now at a turning point thanks to Clark.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark brings the ball up the court during a game against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 1, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“It is incumbent on experienced WNBA players to nip this nonsense in the bud before it’s too late.”
Carter said Monday afternoon that he had no complaints about the repercussions of the foul.
Chicago head coach Theresa Weatherspoon released a longer statement on the incident, saying Carter’s foul was improper.
“Physical play, intensity and competitiveness are the hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball,” Weatherspoon said. “Cennedy got caught up in the heat of trying to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened, which was inappropriate and contrary to our conduct and character. Chennedy understands there is a better way to handle situations on the court and she, like all of us, will learn from this.”
Chicago Sky head coach Theresa Weatherspoon watches a game against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 1, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
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