The WNBA has cautioned the Indiana Fever after star player Caitlin Clark was omitted from the team’s injury report before their recent match against the Portland Fire. Clark was ultimately scratched from the game due to back soreness, a decision announced shortly before tip-off. This was confirmed by the league to ESPN on Thursday.
Details of the Incident
Fever head coach Stephanie White mentioned that Clark woke up on game day with stiffness in her back. She did not participate in practice on Tuesday, instead focusing on treatment and personal workouts.
Injury Reporting Regulations
Teams in the WNBA are expected to report player injuries and absences by 5 p.m. local time the day before each game. The first sign of Clark’s back issue appeared approximately 100 minutes before the Fever’s 90-73 victory over the Fire.
- Date of the game against the Portland Fire: Wednesday
- Caitlin Clark’s Condition: Back soreness
- Coach Stephanie White’s Statement: Did not anticipate a fine for the late report
- Next game: Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries on Friday night
White defended the team’s actions, noting that not all players who miss practice are automatically included on the injury report. “That happens all the time,” she stated. The Fever did not engage in formal practice on Thursday following the incident.
Caitlin Clark has since been marked as probable for the upcoming game against the Valkyries, raising questions about how teams manage injury disclosures.
