Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was the victim of multiple uncalled fouls during the team's 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on June 24, 2026, including being kneed in the groin and punched in the neck by Alyssa Thomas, according to witnesses and multiple sources [1, 2, 3, 4]. Clark left the game in the third quarter due to a back injury and did not return [1, 2, 3, 4]. Before exiting, she recorded 19 points and 8 assists [2, 3].
After reviewing the footage, officials focused on a possible hostile act by Clark rather than the fouls committed against her in the key incident with Thomas [1, 2]. Fever coach Stephanie White called the officiating "utterly disrespectful" and "egregious," pointing out inconsistent calls against Clark compared to other players. She described the uncalled fist to Clark’s throat as "crazy" and "dangerous" [1, 2, 4].
Clark is considered a top young talent in the WNBA and was the 2024 Rookie of the Year. She is averaging 21.2 points and 8.2 assists per game this season despite missing much of 2025 with injuries [1, 2]. The Fever lead the league in scoring at 92.1 points per game but rank near the bottom in defense, allowing 88.9 points on average and conceding 100+ points in 7 of 18 games [2].
Tensions between the Fever and Mercury have escalated after a heated game on June 22 when Indiana won 86-77 in a contest that featured six technical fouls, including one controversially called on Clark for "clapping and instigating." Clark publicly disputed that call, calling it "ridiculous" and defending her emotional style of play [2, 5, 6, 3]. "If they're going to give me a technical foul for clapping, then so be it," Clark said [6].
Social media reactions to the no-calls on Clark’s fouls expressed outrage and accusations of league bias [3]. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III urged better protection for Clark and other WNBA players against targeted physical play [4].
The Fever will look to continue their season following Clark's injury, which sidelined their leading scorer in the second half of the June 24 matchup. Officials and league authorities have yet to announce any disciplinary action related to the incidents.
