ESPN: Chennedy Carter foul of Caitlin Clark upgraded to Flagrant 1 after review

The WNBA has upgraded the hard foul committed by Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark during Saturday’s game to a Flagrant 1, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.

This change comes after the league reviewed the play, originally ruled a common foul, when Carter appeared to purposely crash into Clark, who didn’t have the ball, and knocked the star rookie to the court.

The foul came late in the third quarter Saturday when Carter attempted a field goal before walking up behind Clark as she waited for an inbound pass. That’s when Clark appeared to use her hip or elbow to knock Clark down from behind. Carter also appeared to shout something profane at Clark. It was immediately called a common foul. Fellow rookie Angel Reese could be seen cheering Carter on.

On social media, fans debated the play, with many pointing out that they felt it should have been ruled a flagrant foul on the court. Others, meanwhile, argued that women’s basketball is a physical game and Clark herself was talking before the foul.

During an in-game interview, Caitlin Clark shared her own thoughts, arguing that the play by Chennedy Carter simply wasn’t a basketball play.

“It’s just not a basketball play,” Clark said. “Gotta play through it. That’s what playing basketball is at this level.”

At her press conference following the game, Chennedy Carter said she wouldn’t be taking any questions on Caitlin Clark.

In the end, it was Caitlin Clark and the Fever who had the last laugh. Indiana won the game 71-70, withstanding a late push by Chicago. It was the second win on the season for Indiana, which is now 2-8. For her part, Clark was one of five players on the Fever who scored double-digit points, with 11 to go with eight rebounds and six assists.

Christie Sides criticizes WNBA over missed Chennedy Carter flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark

Following the initial foul call being ruled a common and not a flagrant foul, Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides took to social media. There, she was critical of the WNBA for the foul not being ruled a flagrant on the court.

“This is unacceptable @WNBA. When will the consistent complaints be heard?!? Something has to be done!” Sides tweeted.

Caitlin Clark has been fouled hard several times already this season. It’s hard to say with certainty if that has to do with her high profile. However, it’s clear that the Fever are frustrated with how things are being handled by officials.