The WNBA correctly upgraded Chennedy Carter's foul on Caitlin Clark to a Flagrant 1 after review
Chennedy Carter’s hard foul on Caitlin Clark in Saturday’s game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever was probably not as innocent as some people tried to paint it as, nor as harmful as others tried to make it out to be. But I think most people can agree it should have been whistled for at least a flagrant foul penalty. Which it wasn’t in the moment.
The WNBA corrected that error Sunday, upgrading it to a Flagrant 1 after review, according to multiple reports.
The WNBA confirmed that Chennedy Carter’s (CHI) foul against Caitlin Clark (IND) at 15.8/qtr 3 on June 1, 2024 has been upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after league review. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 71-70.
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) June 2, 2024
According to the WNBA rule book, a Flagrant 1 is assessed when a player commits contact interpreted to be unnecessary. Carter’s foul on Clark certainly met that bar.
Had the flagrant foul been called in-game, Indiana would have received an extra free throw. But thankfully for the Fever, the missed penalty didn’t change the outcome of the game, as they still came out on top in a 71-70 thriller.
Can confirm that Chennedy Carter’s foul against Caitlin Clark was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after review.
No fine, but players accrue points for flagrant fouls that can result in future suspensions.
In game, the only difference would have been an additional free throw for Clark.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) June 2, 2024
The big thing here is the flagrant will stick with Carter through the season, as players accrue points toward potential suspension for too many flagrant foul penalties.