Sky coach reacts to Chennedy Carter’s blatant foul on Caitlin Clark – NBC Chicago

Amid continued fallout from a controversial flagrant foul committed by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon promised the team would “learn” from it. incident.

Carter was initially assessed a common foul after colliding with Clark following a basket during Saturday’s game between Sky and Fever. After review, the WNBA gave Carter a 1 flagrant foul for the play, which sparked conversations across the sports world.

Weatherspoon released a statement via Sky on Monday, saying that while his team is encouraged to use physical play during matches, they must also remember that there are “better ways to handle situations” that evolve on the pitch.

“Physical play, intensity and competitive spirit are the hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball. Chennedy was caught in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game,” Weatherspoon said. “She and I discussed what happened and how it was not appropriate, neither what we are doing nor who we are. Chennedy understands that there are better ways to handle situations on the field, and she will learn from them, just like the rest of us.

After the match, Carter refused to respond to the serious foul.

“I’m not answering any questions from Caitlin Clark,” she said.

Clark, who was the target of physical plays throughout her rookie season, said she aims to not retaliate if she makes a mistake during competitions.

“That’s how it is,” Clark said. “I feel like I’m at the point where you just accept it and don’t fight back. Just let it hit you, be what it is, don’t let it get into your head and know that it happens.

Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky and coach Teresa Weatherspoon quickly put to rest any questions about Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever following Saturday’s 71-70 loss.

Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn called on the WNBA to crack down on the physicality that teams used to keep Clark off-balance during her rookie year.

“This has to stop!” The league needs to ‘clean up’ this bullshit,” Dunn said in an article on X. “That’s not who this league is.”

Weatherspoon hopes his team can continue to play physical basketball while respecting the rules of the sport and serve as an example to the rest of the league.

“As a team, we will grow together and continue to work hard to demonstrate strong leadership and set a positive example for our competitors, fans and partners,” Weatherspoon said.