Indiana Fever's Coaching Change Amid On-Court Controversy
Austin Kelly steps in as acting head coach for the Indiana Fever as the team navigates recent altercations and fines following a heated game against the Connecticut Sun.
Overview
- Caitlin Clark experienced physical altercations during a game against the Connecticut Sun, raising concerns among players and officials.
- Marina Mabrey's technical foul was upgraded to a Flagrant-2 after shoving Clark, resulting in fines but no suspensions for players involved.
- Sophie Cunningham was fined and ejected from the game for her role in an on-court skirmish alongside Jacy Sheldon.
- Fever coach Stephanie White criticized officiating for escalating the game's intensity, but the WNBA upheld its officiating decisions without additional penalties.
- Austin Kelly will serve as acting head coach for the Indiana Fever due to Stephanie White's absence for personal reasons.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources emphasize player performance and disciplinary actions, reflecting a focus on accountability and competitive integrity. They present events with a neutral tone, highlighting statistics and penalties while maintaining a balanced perspective on personal issues affecting team dynamics. Implicitly, they advocate for transparency in sports governance.
White will miss the game for personal reasons, marking the second time this season he has been absent for such reasons.
Austin Kelly will serve as the acting head coach.
Articles (13)
Center (3)
"…The absence comes two days after White criticized referees following the Fever’s victory over the Connecticut Sun."
Chicago Tribune"…Thursday is the first chance to put the focus back on Clark's on-court exploits."
USA TODAY·25d·"…The play at the end of the game was the culmination of tensions that had been building throughout."
Associated Press·1M·FAQ
Austin Kelly was appointed as the acting head coach for the Indiana Fever due to Stephanie White's absence for personal reasons amid recent team controversies and game altercations.
During the game, Marina Mabrey received a Flagrant-2 foul and a fine for shoving Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham was fined and ejected for her involvement in an on-court skirmish, and Jacy Sheldon was also involved in the altercation, which raised concerns about physicality and officiating.
Stephanie White criticized the officiating for escalating the game's intensity, but the WNBA upheld the decisions without issuing additional penalties.
The Fever parted ways with former head coach Christie Sides in late 2024, then hired Stephanie White as head coach for the 2025 season. Currently, Austin Kelly is serving as acting head coach during White's personal leave.
The on-court altercations involving physical shoving and skirmishes led to fines, ejections, coaching changes, and critiques of officiating, which have raised concerns among players, officials, and fans regarding the team's discipline and game management.
History
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