The fallout from Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s hard foul on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has taken a troubling turn. Four days after Carter’s controversial shoulder check, three of her Sky teammates reported harassment at their team hotel. This incident occurred ahead of the Sky’s road game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday.
Though Carter wasn’t mentioned by name, teammates Angel Reese and Isabelle Harrison revealed on social media that one of their teammates was specifically targeted with a camera in her face as the team exited its bus. Michaela Onyenwere noted that the team’s security successfully de-escalated the situation.
Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times provided further details, reporting that a man approached the team with a camera, attempting to speak with Carter. Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca stated that police weren’t called and the man was escorted away by team security.
The incident underscores the escalating controversy surrounding Carter’s foul on Clark, which was later upgraded to a flagrant foul. The play has become a major talking point in the WNBA, sparking debates over Clark’s treatment within the league.
Carter, 25, declined to discuss the foul immediately after the game and later expressed no regrets, even questioning Clark’s overall basketball abilities on social media. Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon labeled the foul “not appropriate,” while Reese, who was seen cheering during the foul, embraced the “bad guy role.”
While Sky fans gave Carter a standing ovation at her next home game, the broader reaction has been critical, with many condemning the play and Carter’s lack of remorse. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma also weighed in, suggesting Clark was being unfairly targeted.
The controversy has even reached Congress, with Rep. Jim Banks sending a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, inquiring about measures to “curb excessive physical targeting of specific players.”
As the debate continues, the incident serves as a flashpoint for broader discussions on player conduct, sportsmanship, and the treatment of emerging stars in professional sports.
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