Chennedy Carter Officially Out of the WNBA: The Domino Effect After the Caitlin Clark Incident

By: Minh Phuong, Sports Correspondent

“Chennedy, what would you like to share about leaving the WNBA today?”

That was the first question I posed when I met Chennedy Carter—once the Chicago Sky’s brightest scoring star—now freshly signed to Adelitas de Chihuahua in Mexico. She offered only silence and a determined stare—an attitude familiar to the American sports press, especially after her much-publicized clash with Caitlin Clark on June 1, 2024.

A Meteoric Career, Suddenly Blacklisted

Make no mistake, this isn’t the story of a player simply changing teams. Carter was the focal point of the Chicago Sky’s offense last season, averaging 17.5 points per game. Yet, when it came time for contract renewal, the Sky let her walk with nothing in return. No other WNBA team reached out—despite Carter continuing to prove her talent overseas.

What went wrong?

Let’s rewind to that pivotal moment: June 1st, 2024—Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever. High tensions were already palpable when Carter, in an off-ball moment, deliberately altered her path to deliver a hip check that sent rookie phenom Caitlin Clark sprawling across the hardwood. The arena gasped.

When Carter was asked about the incident post-game, her reply was chillingly terse: “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions.” Seven words—enough to ignite a firestorm across the basketball community and raise red flags for league executives.

Experts Weigh In

Coach Teresa Weatherspoon, speaking on Carter’s behalf, said, “She needs help to get her anger under control.” But in the words of one anonymously quoted WNBA executive: “Talent alone isn’t enough. Locker room chemistry and unwillingness to take responsibility are deal-breakers.”

Former WNBA veteran Tanya Brown told me, “That was not just unsportsmanlike, it was a lack of maturity. Had she owned up and apologized immediately, she might have saved her season.”

A Pattern Beyond One Play

Carter’s basketball skills have never been in question. But her disciplinary record is equally notable. In 2021, she was suspended by the Atlanta Dream for conduct “detrimental to the team.” Moving to the Los Angeles Sparks did not solve much—she saw her minutes cut, reportedly also due to behavioral concerns.

A former Sky teammate, who preferred not to be named, recalled: “I used to believe in Chennedy. But the way she handled the Clark incident destroyed a lot of trust in the locker room. You just can’t succeed with a teammate who refuses any accountability.”

A Detour Through Mexico

With no offers in the U.S., Carter’s move to Mexico is a stark step down in spotlight. Announced with pride by Adelitas de Chihuahua, Carter now faces the challenge of rebuilding her reputation in the Mexican LNBPF—though all signs point to her raw talent shining there. WNBA insiders, however, agree that without a change in attitude, her path back to the American league looks bleak.

Clark’s Contrast — What the League Now Values

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark has become a breakout star both on and off the court. Her jersey sales top the charts, and she’s credited with driving record attendance and ratings across the WNBA. When asked about the hip check, Clark opted for composure: “Basketball is physical. I get it. I just kept playing.” Her professionalism only increased her popularity with fans and league officials alike.

Skill Alone Is No Longer Enough

A WNBA head coach (who declined to be named) summarized the Carter situation bluntly: “The league is setting a new tone and culture. If you won’t take responsibility and be a team player, there’s no space for you, no matter how talented you are.”

Conclusion

Chennedy Carter is living proof that at the highest level of sport, character and accountability matter just as much as talent. As she embarks on her next chapter in Mexico, the WNBA is sending an unmistakable message: skill without character simply won’t cut it anymore.

What do you think about Carter’s fall from grace? Did she deserve a second chance in the WNBA? Share your thoughts below!

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