Caitlin Clark Delivers Honest Response to Backlash Over Chennedy Carter Foul Controversy

She stays off social media.
Caitlin Clark has perpetually found herself in the headlines this year, whether it’s been for breaking the all-time NCAA basketball scoring record or being the number-one pick at this year’s WNBA draft. On June 1, Clark was in the news for the actions of Chicago Sky player Chennedy Carter, who was slapped with a flagrant foul over an apparent shove on the court.

In the days since the incident, Clark has largely laid low, while Carter after that game declined to answer any questions about what happened. Critics were upset with Carter’s actions as video depicts a seemingly unnecessary push resulting in Clark falling to the ground.

On June 7, Clark delivered her response on the matter. Rather than stoke the flames of perceived bad blood between players, the Indiana Fever star wished for the focus to be on the game being played and not other actions.

“I’m not on social media so I don’t see a lot of it but you would be surprised,” Clark told USA Today, adding that she was aware of it being a news story while having sports channels on TV at home. “My focus is basketball. Sometimes it stinks how much the conversation is outside of basketball and not the product on the floor and the amazing players that are on the floor and how good they are for their teams and how great this season has been for women’s basketball.”

Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon addressed the situation head-on in a statement released June 3.

“Physical play, intensity, and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball,” she explained, according to ESPN. “Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. 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 that there are better ways to handle situations on the court, and she will learn from this, as we all will.”

Carter, meanwhile, gave reporters her own perspective on what happened.

“I’m seeing a lot of things—players, fans not understanding who I am as a player,” Carter said, per ESPN. “You have to understand me as a person too. And don’t just look at one tape and form an opinion about me.”

“I’m truly a passionate person about the game, and I’m genuine. You can ask all my teammates. They’ve gotten to know me. They know the real Chennedy Carter,” she concluded. “So I’m just saying, don’t form an opinion off of one little clip. And you didn’t even see the whole game and/or the play that led to that.”

The Indiana Fever are set to play the Washington Mystics on June 7. The Chicago Sky will face off against the Atlanta Dream on June 8