WNBA Changes Stance on Caitlin Clark–Marina Mabrey Physical Altercation Amid Backlash
WNBA Changes Stance on Caitlin Clark–Marina Mabrey Physical Altercation Amid Backlash originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The WNBA is changing its tune a bit after Marina Mabrey sent Caitlin Clark to the floor during a heated battle between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun on Tuesday. Yet, the league's change of heart may not be quite what some fans are hoping for amid growing frustration regarding opponent's physicality towards Clark.
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Mabrey was given a technical foul but not ejected after sending Clark flying through the air with her shoulder following the star's altercation with Jacy Sheldon in the third quarter.
There is not a suspension coming for Mabrey, Sophie Cunningham or any of the players involved in the altercation on Tuesday. The league did have a change of heart about Mabrey.
Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The WNBA upgraded Mabrey's technical foul on Clark to a flagrant two which means she will also be fined.
"WNBA confirmed Marina Mabrey's technical has been upgraded to a flagrant 2 which comes with a fine," Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile detailed in a Wednesday message on X.
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"Sophie Cunningham, who was assessed a flagrant 2, received an additional fine for her actions in last night's melee with 46 seconds to play. No suspensions."
The news comes as media members along with some fans have been critical of the WNBA officiating for not ejecting Mabrey.
"These officials failed to fully punish - by ejecting - the opponents who are motivated for whatever non-sensical reason to cheap-shot and potentially injure the player whose presence is vitally important to the league," former ESPN analyst Ed Werder noted on X.
Sun head coach Rachid Meziane did not believe Mabrey's push on Clark warranted an ejection.
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"From @ConnecticutSun postgame: coach Rachid Meziane thought Indiana's Sophie Cunningham fouling Jacy Sheldon near end of game was 'disrespectful,' but he didn't think Marina Mabrey deserved ejection for pushing Caitlin Clark to the court," ESPN's Michael Voepel said on Tuesday.
"The jealousy these player have for CC is making this league difficult to watch," one fan remarked.
"Made NO SENSE," another said in regards to the flagrant foul upgrade.
"Bizarro world Jordan Rules," one person added referencing the old Detroit Pistons' goal of physicality against Michael Jordan.
Related: Caitlin Clark Sends Clear Message After Heated WNBA Fight
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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