Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon admitted that Chennedy Carter’s hip-check on Caitlin Clark over the weekend was inappropriate.
Though Carter has avoided expressing any remorse for checking Clark to the ground Saturday in a clear non-basketball play, Weatherspoon issued a statement about the matter Monday.
“Physical play, intensity, and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball. Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game,” Weatherspoon said.
“She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are. Chennedy understands there are better ways to handle situations on the court, and she will learn from this, as we all will.
“As a team, we will grow together and continue to work hard to display strong leadership and set a positive example for our competitors, fans, and partners.”
Carter was initially only called for a common foul on the play, though the WNBA later revised it to be a Flagrant One.
In the immediate aftermath, Angel Reese, who had a rivalry with Clark in college, celebrated the play and later embraced Carter as she came to the bench.
One of the inexplicable aspects of the sequence was that none of Clark’s teammates came to her defense.
Numerous people, including former NBA enforcer Matt Barnes, have called on the Fever to add a player who will respond with physicality in Clark’s defense when she gets pummeled.