WNBA warn Indiana Fever after Caitlin Clark injury report omission
The WNBA has issued a formal warning to the Indiana Fever after star guard Caitlin Clark was omitted from the team’s injury report prior to Wednesday’s game against the Portland Fire.
The prominent playmaker was a late withdrawal from the midweek fixture due to back soreness.
League regulations mandate that franchises must disclose player absences and participation status by 17:00 local time on the day preceding a match.
However, the first public confirmation of any physical issue for the 22-year-old arrived just 100 minutes before tip-off.
Coach defends reporting protocol
Head coach Stephanie White confirmed her primary ball-handler woke up on Wednesday experiencing stiffness.
White noted that the former Iowa standout missed Tuesday’s practice session to receive treatment and undertake modified workouts.
Despite the procedural breach, the Fever manager insisted she did not anticipate financial penalties for the organisation.
“Not everybody that doesn’t practice or gets a pro day is on the injury report. That happens all the time. And she wasn’t listed on the injury report earlier because we expected her to play.”
Upcoming Valkyries fixture
Even without their talismanic scorer, Indiana secured a comfortable 90-73 victory over Portland.
Attention now turns to Friday’s home encounter against the Golden State Valkyries.
The point guard has officially been listed as probable ahead of that clash.
Indiana opted against holding a formal team practice on Thursday as they manage their ongoing domestic schedule.