WNBA Issues Fines After Heated Fever-Sun Game Involving Clark

WNBA Disciplines Players Following Physical Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun Matchup

The WNBA has announced disciplinary actions following a particularly contentious game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, June 17. The matchup, won by the Fever 88-71 to advance in the Commissioner’s Cup, was marked by multiple physical altercations that drew significant attention and criticism regarding the game’s officiating.

Despite on-court ejections and visible tension, the league’s response includes several fines but notably no suspensions for any players involved.

Key Incidents Sparking League Review

The heated contest featured several flashpoints. Early tension escalated in the third quarter when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon fouled Fever star Caitlin Clark, reportedly poking her in the eye. This led to a verbal exchange and subsequent shoving between the two. The situation escalated further when Sun teammate Marina Mabrey intervened, pushing Clark to the ground. Both Clark, Mabrey, Sheldon, and Sun player Tina Charles received technical or flagrant fouls during this first skirmish.

The physicality continued late in the fourth quarter, even with the Fever holding a significant lead. Fever forward Sophie Cunningham committed a hard foul on Jacy Sheldon during a fast break, pulling her to the ground. This aggressive play resulted in Cunningham being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game, along with Sheldon and Sun’s Lindsay Allen.

Fever Head Coach Stephanie White commented on the game’s nature, suggesting the lack of early control by officials contributed to the escalation, noting that physical play “has been happening all season long.”

WNBA Announces Punishments: Fines Issued

Following a review of the game’s events, the WNBA’s disciplinary decisions focused on financial penalties:

Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun): Her technical foul from the third-quarter incident involving Caitlin Clark was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 foul. This upgrade automatically results in a standard fine from the league.
Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever): She received a separate fine from the league specifically for her late-game Flagrant 2 foul on Jacy Sheldon, in addition to the in-game ejection.

While other players like Sheldon, Clark, Charles, and Allen were involved in the various scuffles and some received fouls, the WNBA’s announcement highlighted fines primarily for Mabrey and Cunningham. The league stated “several fines against multiple perpetrators on both teams,” but specific amounts were not disclosed.

A key takeaway from the league’s ruling is the decision to issue no player suspensions, despite the intensity and multiple ejections during the game. This outcome has reportedly drawn mixed reactions among fans.

The Fever and Sun are scheduled to face off again on July 15, a game that is now anticipated with heightened interest following the recent physical encounter and the league’s subsequent disciplinary decisions.