Caitlin Clark on the Verge of Potential WNBA Suspension? Rookie Star Voices Concerns Over Perceived Unfair Treatment
Caitlin Clark’s rising technical foul tally could spell trouble for her this season, though she continues to break records and is a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year title. Despite a temporary reprieve following the May 24 victory, the Indiana Fever are struggling with a 1-8 record, casting a shadow over Clark’s impressive debut. Adding to the team’s woes, Clark now faces the threat of suspension due to her increasing technical fouls.
On Thursday night, the situation worsened when Clark and Seattle Storm’s guard Victoria Vivians both received technical fouls, raising Clark’s total to three in just nine games. According to WNBA rules, accumulating seven technical fouls in a season results in a one-game suspension, with each additional technical foul resulting in another game missed. With 31 games left in the regular season, Clark must avoid further technical fouls, as opponents will likely exploit this vulnerability to sideline her.
The Fever suffered a 103-88 defeat to the Storm on Thursday.
**Reason Behind Clark’s Technical Foul on Thursday**
Before halftime, Indiana trailed Seattle 34-25. Clark managed a three-pointer but was quickly challenged by Vivians, leading to a heated exchange and double technical fouls for both players. Fever coach Christie Sides defended Clark during the third quarter, arguing with the referee about ignored fouls by Seattle’s Sami Whitcomb on Clark. Sides expressed frustration after the game, feeling the calls were not consistent.
Clark’s previous technical fouls were due to disputes with officials, including one after a loss to the Connecticut Sun where she exclaimed, “It’s a f**king foul,” in frustration.
Clark’s Response to Perceived Unfair Treatment
Clark appreciated her coach’s support against the Storm but commented on the increasing physicality at the professional level. While Sides defended Clark this time, she previously noted that the team spends too much time arguing with officials. Sides urged the players to focus on their game and leave dealing with referees to the coaches.
In a postgame press conference, Clark expressed frustration, saying, “I feel like I’m getting hammered, I don’t know.” She echoed similar sentiments after a loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, stating, “I think everybody is physical with me, they get away with things that probably other people don’t get away with.”
Despite the Fever’s losses, Clark remains a leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year title. On Thursday, she scored 30 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out six assists, and made three steals and three blocks, becoming the first WNBA rookie (and fourth player overall) to achieve a 30-5-5-3-3 stat line. Through nine games, she has averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
Clark’s next game with the Indiana Fever is against the Chicago Sky on Saturday, June 1, at 12 pm ET.
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