Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images; Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fever Coach Stephanie White Issues Apology After Caitlin Clark Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 10:10 AM ET

There was a lot of anticipation ahead of what should have been the first-ever WNBA matchup between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Unfortunately, a groin injury prevented the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year from taking the court on Friday as a shorthanded Indiana Fever side defeated the Dallas Wings, 94-86.

There was some hope that Clark would be able to suit up on Friday night despite being forced to miss Thursday's 85-75 loss against the Los Angeles Sparks. Fever head coach Stephanie White, however, revealed before the Wings game that the team is currently looking at the "big picture" in terms of Clark's injury, which was a significant factor in Indiana's decision to let the 23-year-old sit out on Friday.

White was well aware of the excitement surrounding the Dallas game, which is why she decided to issue an apology to the fans.

"I'm sorry for the people who are coming," White said on Friday, via Nathan Baird of IndyStar. "I think I feel a disappointment for them, more than anything, because I want them to see her at her best and us at her best.

"I hate that for fans, but at the same time, for us as a team and for Caitlin as a person and player, her health and wellness is the priority."

White also said that Clark remains "day to day" with her injury, which means that her status for Tuesday's Commissioner's Cup championship game against the Minnesota Lynx remains up in the air at this point.

That, too, is a much-anticipated matchup for Clark and the Fever, and there's no denying that more than a few supporters will be left disappointed if the former Iowa star is forced to sit that one out as well.

However, White has also made it clear that the team has Clark's best interests at heart, particularly when it comes to her long-term health. As such, it does not sound like they're going to force her back into action unless she's fully recovered from this latest injury.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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