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Sep 22, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (4) stares at Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the third quarter during game one of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

'Did Not Rise To The Level Of An Ejection': Caitlin Clark Altercation With Marina Mabrey Has Sun Star’s Aggressive Actions Explained By Referees Why There Was No Flagrant Foul Or Ejection

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 11:32 AM ET

Tuesday night’s clash between Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun had everything: high tension, physical plays, and more than a few whistles, many of them controversial.

It all kicked off in the third quarter when Clark, guarded tightly by Jacy Sheldon, appeared to get poked in the eye while dribbling beyond the arc. Visibly frustrated, Clark responded with a two-handed shove, which brought Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles sprinting over in defense of Sheldon. Mabrey then shoved Clark to the ground, escalating the situation into a near full-blown brawl.

Despite the heated moment, Mabrey was allowed to stay in the game, only receiving a technical foul. The decision raised eyebrows, but crew chief Ashley Gross explained it postgame.

“The contact made by Mabrey did not rise to the level of an ejection,” Gross said. “Additionally, it did not meet the criteria for a flagrant foul penalty two.”

Fans were equally confused about Clark receiving a tech in the same sequence. Gross clarified that one too.

“After the foul by Sheldon, Clark reacted in an unsportsmanlike manner towards Sheldon,” she said.

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA;Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) after a foul and push in the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“It was pretty obvious that stuff was brewing”: Fever coach Stephanie White reacts to Caitlin Clark’s tech in shoving incident with Marina Mabrey

Despite the chaos, the Fever came away with an 88–71 win—marking their second straight victory after taking down the previously undefeated New York Liberty.

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Head coach Stephanie White, however, wasn’t celebrating everything. She voiced frustration over the officials’ handling of the game, especially the lack of control leading up to the Clark-Mabrey incident.

“There wasn’t an explanation for the tech that she got,” White said. “It was pretty obvious that stuff was brewing… when the officials don’t get control of the ball game. When they allow that stuff to happen, and it’s been happening all season long.”

Clark, seated beside her coach during the postgame presser, nodded in agreement.

White even revealed that she foresaw trouble as early as the first quarter and had already raised concerns with the referees.

“They need to be better,” she said bluntly. As the Fever continues to gain momentum, the physical play—and the chatter surrounding how officials handle it—isn’t going anywhere.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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