WNBA Makes Marina Mabrey Punishment Decision After Caitlin Clark Incident
The Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun caught the attention of the sporting world with not one, but two, separate scuffles during an 88-71 Fever victory on June 17.
The first incident came in the third quarter when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon poked Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye while attempting to guard her. After Clark pushed Sheldon away from her, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year was sent flying to the floor on a tough check from Sun forward Marina Mabrey.
“It was pretty obvious that stuff was brewing,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said after the game. “When the officials don’t get control of the ball game, when they allow this stuff to happen—and it’s been happening all season long—this is what happens. Right?"
"You’ve got competitive women who are the best in the world at what they do. When you allow them to play physical and allow these things to happen, they’re going to compete and they’re going to have their teammates’ backs.”
The post-game pool report provided some clarity from crew chief Ashley Gloss, who said, “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.”
Just a day later, though, the WNBA reversed course on Mabrey. According to WNBA insider Alexa Philippou, Mabrey's technical foul from last night's game was upgraded to a flagrant 2, which comes with the standard fine of $400.
Marina Mabrey's technical from last night's Fever-Sun game has been upgraded to a flagrant 2, the league told ESPN. A flagrant 2 comes from a standard fine.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) June 18, 2025
Additionally, Sophie Cunningham was fined separately for her hard foul with 46 secs to play
No players will be suspended
"The cost of a Flagrant 1 foul is $200 and $400 for a Flagrant 2. Additional fines can be assessed and disciplinary action can be taken when players escalate situations or fail to leave the court," Front Office Sports reported.
Philippou added that Sophie Cunningham received a separate fine for her hard foul on Sheldon in response to the Clark incident. No suspensions were handed out as a result of the incident.
Related: Caitlin Clark Doesn't Hide True Feelings on WNBA Officials After Incident