Chennedy Carter Officially Banned & Moves to Mexico After Caitlin Clark Attack
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves throughout the world of women’s basketball, Chennedy Carter—once the Chicago Sky’s leading scorer and a rising WNBA star—has been effectively blacklisted from the league and forced to take her talents to Mexico’s professional basketball circuit. This dramatic career pivot comes in the wake of a now-infamous incident involving Carter and Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, an altercation that not only captured headlines but also ended Carter’s WNBA prospects for the foreseeable future.
The incident in question took place on June 1, 2024, during a tense matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever. With the game’s outcome hanging in the balance, Carter delivered a deliberate and forceful hip check to Clark, sending the rookie sprawling across the court. The referees quickly upgraded the call to a flagrant foul after video review, and the league later confirmed the contact was “non-basketball in nature and potentially dangerous.” Clark, who responded with remarkable composure, simply got up and continued playing, her poise contrasting sharply with Carter’s aggression.
What followed was a media firestorm. Carter’s refusal to address the incident in the postgame press conference—famously responding, “I ain’t answering no Caitlin Clark questions”—fueled criticism from fans, analysts, and league executives alike. Rather than de-escalating the situation with an apology or explanation, Carter’s dismissive attitude only amplified concerns about her temperament and accountability. Within days, her reputation had shifted from that of a talented scorer to a potential liability for any team’s chemistry and public image.
The fallout was swift and severe. Despite averaging a career-high 17.5 points per game and leading the Sky in scoring, Carter received no contract offer from Chicago at the end of the season. Even more telling, not a single one of the league’s other 11 teams expressed interest in signing her, despite her undeniable on-court talent. One anonymous general manager went so far as to say, “We won’t touch her even with a 10-foot pole.” For Carter, the message was clear: her actions and subsequent response had made her radioactive in WNBA circles.
This was not Carter’s first brush with controversy. Her professional troubles began as early as 2021, when the Atlanta Dream suspended her mid-season for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Later, with the Los Angeles Sparks, reports of reduced playing time due to behavioral issues followed her, painting a picture of a player whose immense talent was continually overshadowed by off-court drama and locker room friction. By the time she landed in Chicago, whispers about her reputation had become full-blown concerns among league executives.
With WNBA training camps opening and no offers on the table, Carter made her next move official: she signed with Adelitas de Chihuahua in Mexico’s LNBPF, the country’s premier women’s basketball league. The Mexican club proudly announced her arrival on social media, highlighting her athletic achievements and welcoming her as a star addition to their roster. For Carter, this represents both a fresh start and a significant step down from the prestige and platform of the WNBA. She’ll join former WNBA guard Victoria Vivians in the league, hoping to rebuild her career and perhaps one day earn another shot in the United States.
The contrast between Carter’s fate and Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise could not be more stark. Clark, whose jersey now tops league merchandise sales and whose presence has driven record-breaking attendance and viewership, has become the face of a new era in women’s basketball—one defined not just by skill, but by professionalism and composure. The WNBA, responding to increasing scrutiny and higher expectations, has made it clear that talent alone is no longer enough; character and accountability matter more than ever.
As Carter begins this new chapter in Mexico, the question remains: is this a temporary detour or a permanent exile from the world’s top women’s basketball league? For now, her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of conduct and reputation in professional sports. While her scoring ability is unquestioned, her inability to take responsibility for her actions has cost her dearly. As the WNBA continues to evolve, Carter’s journey will be watched closely—both as a potential redemption story and as a stark warning to others.
Let us know your thoughts: Did Chennedy Carter deserve this outcome, or does she deserve another chance? The debate is sure to continue, but one thing is certain—the WNBA has turned a page, and Carter’s saga is now a defining chapter in its ongoing transformation.
