Why Fever could be punished for Caitlin Clark injury shenanigans

The Indiana Fever got caught in the crosshairs of WNBA fans and media alike when the team ruled Caitlin Clark out for their game against the Portland Fire this week due to a back injury. What was upsetting and confusing to people was the fact that this had not been mentioned until right before the game. And now, it’s possible the Fever face consequences from the league itself, as per Yahoo Sports.

Per WNBA requirements, all teams are to submit player availablity statuses by 5 p.m. the day before a game is scheduled. Caitlin Clark did not practice with the Fever the day before their game against the Fire, however, she was not included on the team’s injury report.

Considering the Fever’s rationale for Clark sitting out was that it was part of a management plan to help with a back injury, it sounded like the decision to have her sidelined was made long before the actual announcement occurred. It’s now in the league’s hands to see if any punishment will be doled out.

In the meantime, the Fever have started the season 3-2 and are currently on a two-game win streak. Clark has gotten off to a strong start to the season as well, and she recently set a WNBA record for most games of at least 30 points and 10 assists.

She’s appeared in four of the Fever’s first five games at a little over 30 minutes per game. She’s averaging a career-high 24.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocked shots with splits of 42.5 percent shooting from the field, 32.4 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 100 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

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