In a move that has left fans and analysts stunned, the WNBA has issued its official response to the fiery incident between Marina Mabrey and Caitlin Clark during the Indiana Fever’s recent Commissioner’s Cup clash against the Connecticut Sun. Despite what many are calling a blatant physical attack on Clark, the league has decided there will be no suspensions issued.
Instead, Marina Mabrey’s technical foul has been upgraded to a Flagrant 2, which carries a monetary fine but stops short of a suspension. The announcement, confirmed via a WNBA statement to ESPN, quickly ignited further backlash across social media platforms. Commentators and fans alike were quick to question why Mabrey was not ejected on the spot, especially considering the nature of the hit and the league’s own rules regarding Flagrant 2 fouls.
Adding to the controversy, the WNBA has also fined Sophie Cunningham for her aggressive foul during the final moments of the game. Fever guard Jacy Sheldon and Sun player Lindsay Allen, involved in a separate scuffle later in the fourth quarter, were also penalized. According to league sources, multiple players from both teams will face fines related to their conduct during the game.
These fines, though financially significant for WNBA athletes who often face notoriously low salaries, were met with dismay by many who saw them as insufficient to address the larger issue: player safety and the league’s uneven disciplinary standards.
Video clips of the game have gone viral, particularly the moment of contact between Mabrey and Clark. The footage clearly shows Mabrey making excessive physical contact, with game commentators audibly shocked that no immediate ejection followed. One widely shared clip captures a commentator exclaiming, “That’s a Flagrant 2, no question,” while fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) demanded stronger action.
Online petitions have already begun circulating, calling on the WNBA to reassess the punishments. Some fans have even accused the league of enabling a culture where overly physical play is tolerated—so long as it’s not directed at high-profile players the league actively promotes. Ironically, Caitlin Clark is one of those players, whose rise to stardom has coincided with a sharp increase in on-court physicality aimed directly at her.
Clark, who has quickly become the face of the league with her explosive scoring ability and record-breaking rookie year, has endured multiple hard fouls this season. Yet the pattern of “no suspensions, only fines” has repeated itself, leaving many to ask whether the WNBA is doing enough to protect its most valuable talent.
The Fever, to their credit, remained composed throughout the match, securing a statement win with an 88–71 victory over the Sun. That win has earned them a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup Final against the Minnesota Lynx on July 1. But rather than celebrating the victory, the postgame headlines have been dominated by disciplinary inaction and player safety concerns.
This latest episode has only added fuel to the ongoing debate about fairness and consistency in the WNBA’s officiating and disciplinary decisions. It also highlights a broader issue: if the league hopes to grow its brand and bring in new fans—many of whom are watching Clark closely—they must ensure the game is both competitive and safe.
Even within WNBA circles, there is growing discomfort. Players, agents, and coaches have all reportedly voiced concerns privately about what they see as inconsistent enforcement of league rules. “You can’t market a player like Clark as the future of the league while simultaneously allowing her to be targeted on the court with little consequence,” said one veteran agent who requested anonymity.
With the Commissioner’s Cup Final on the horizon, tensions are likely to remain high. All eyes will be on the league—not just for the game, but for how it continues to handle disciplinary matters moving forward. For now, the message to players and fans seems clear: no suspensions, just fines. Whether that message builds trust—or fuels further outrage—remains to be seen.
Stay with USA Flash News for continuing coverage of this developing story.
