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WNBA Refs’ Message Amid Backlash Over Caitlin Clark Altercation During Sun-Fever Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 12:32 AM ET

On Tuesday, the Indiana Fever hosted the Connecticut Sun for the final game of the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup. However, things took a turn as there were multiple heated situations between the two ball clubs. In the third quarter, though, the Fever's best player found herself lying on the floor.

Indiana's Caitlin Clark was fouled by Jacy Sheldon, who accidentally hit her in the face. The two chirped at each other's faces, which caused veteran guard Marina Mabrey to defend her teammate. Mabrey pushed Clark, and the 2024 Rookie of the Year hit the deck.

However, the Sun guard wasn't ejected from the game and only received a technical foul.

Fans thought Mabrey should've been called for more than a technical foul and were outraged on social media. Following the 88-71 victory by the Fever, the referees addressed their decision as to why the Connecticut guard wasn't removed from the game.

"The contact made by Mabrey did not rise to the level of an ejection. Additionally, (it) did not meet the criteria for a flagrant foul penalty two," Ashley Gloss, the game's crew chief, said via Chloe Peterson's pool report.

Gloss was also asked why Clark was given a technical foul after Sheldon committed the defensive foul.

"After the foul by Sheldon, Clark reacted in an unsportsmanlike manner towards Sheldon," the referee added.

Conducted a poll report on the two Fever-Sun scuffles tonight: pic.twitter.com/V8gIth9mNG
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 18, 2025

In the altercation, veteran star Tina Charles also received a technical foul. Gloss explained that Charles ran towards Clark in an unsportsmanlike manner. She also taunted the star point guard, which earned her a technical foul.

There have been several incidents of needless roughness since the two teams don't get along.

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

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