Caitlin Clark’s unexpected injury absence could land Fever in WNBA trouble

The Indiana Fever might be in hot water after possibly violating WNBA rules. 

Just before Wednesday night’s 90-73 home win over the Fire, the team surprisingly announced that star Caitlin Clark would not play due to back soreness despite not being on the injury report.

Clark, though, was held out of practice Tuesday, making the series of events potentially problematic in the league’s eyes.

Caitlin Clark in street clothes after being ruled out of the game. NBAE via Getty Images

Fever coach Stephanie White said Clark woke up with back soreness Wednesday and they are taking the safe route after last year’s injury-plagued season.

“Just woke up with some stiffness and some soreness,” White said.

“For us, it’s not the time to take a chance. We just really want to be cautious.”

League rules state teams must submit details about player availability at 5 p.m. ET the day before the game, and the Fever did not list her with any designation.

That Clark did not practice, which would be deemed not worthy of a status change, and then suddenly ruled out the day of the game could be viewed in violation of the rule.

It’s possible the team could receive a fine.

White added that the decision to hold Clark out of Wednesday’s game was not a load management issue. 

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White. Getty Images

“She’s healthy,” White said. “We’re not managing anything. This is just a back issue that we want to make sure we give the time to be ready.”

Some WNBA fans alleged the Fever took some liberties about the rules.

“It’s strategic management. I mean we aren’t managing anything,” one wrote on X. “She’s healthy but she’s not playing. Fever literally cannot keep their lies straight. It’s sad.”

Clark played in the first four games of the season, averaging 24.3 points and nine assists per game while helping the team to a 2-2 record.