Marina Mabrey ESCAPES SUSPENSION After VIOLENT Shove on Caitlin Clark — Fans Say “This Is a Cover-Up!”…
OUTRAGE ERUPTS: Marina Mabrey ESCAPES SUSPENSION After VIOLENT Shove on Caitlin Clark — Fans Say “This Is a Cover-Up!”
Brutal Foul, No Consequence? WNBA Sparks National Fury as League Lets Mabrey Walk Free After Latest Attack on Clark
CHICAGO, IL — In a move that has left fans furious and sports commentators stunned, Marina Mabrey of the Chicago Sky will not face suspension following her violent shove against Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark — despite clear video evidence and mounting public backlash.
The incident, which occurred late in the third quarter of a heated Fever vs. Sky matchup, showed Mabrey delivering a two-handed shove to Clark’s torso after a physical play near the sideline. Clark stumbled backward and was visibly shaken, but referees ruled the contact a common foul, with no technical and no ejection issued.
Following a review by the league office, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s administration confirmed Mabrey would not face suspension, opting instead for a minor fine and a “formal warning.”
Fans and Analysts Are Fuming: “What Message Does This Send?”
Social media erupted within minutes of the league’s announcement, with thousands of fans and analysts decrying the decision as “blatant favoritism”, “cowardly governance”, and a “clear lack of protection” for the league’s biggest new star.
“A bodycheck like that in the NBA would get you suspended instantly.”
“They’re letting players target Caitlin every week — and doing nothing about it.”
“This league is failing to protect its future.”
Hashtags like #SuspendMabrey, #ProtectClark, and #EngelbertResign began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as sports personalities from ESPN, The Athletic, and even NBA players weighed in.
Repeat Offense? Clark Has Faced Aggression All Season
This isn’t the first time Caitlin Clark has been the target of physical and arguably intentional harm on the court. From Chennedy Carter’s now-infamous blindside shove to numerous uncalled elbows, Clark’s WNBA debut season has been marred by escalating physical play — with very little league intervention.
While Clark herself has handled these incidents with remarkable composure, many now question how long she can withstand the lack of protection before injury or burnout becomes a reality.
“The league is reaping the benefits of her fame — ticket sales, media buzz, global reach — but it’s giving her none of the protection she deserves,” said sports analyst Jemele Hill.
“That’s exploitation, plain and simple.”https://youtu.be/VmMlATgdEZs?si=Dl_5pBL7CaRaZ_sf
Marina Mabrey: “Just Basketball”
When asked about the incident post-game, Mabrey downplayed the aggression, calling it “just part of the game.”
“It got physical, yeah, but that’s how we play. It wasn’t personal.”
She declined to apologize and claimed she hadn’t reviewed the footage.
Critics were quick to pounce, accusing Mabrey of minimizing what many are calling a deliberate and dangerous hit.
Indiana Fever Responds
The Indiana Fever have not released an official statement regarding the league’s decision, but sources say frustration is boiling behind the scenes. One staff member, speaking anonymously, told reporters:
“We’re not asking for favoritism — we’re asking for fairness. If this happened to anyone else, it would be suspension-worthy. Period.”
Cathy Engelbert Under Fire — Again
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is now under intense scrutiny, with many pointing to a pattern of soft responses to escalating violence against Clark.
Critics argue that the WNBA’s top executive is failing to act decisively, sending a dangerous message that physical targeting of star players is acceptable — especially when the player in question is young, white, and drawing massive media attention in a league historically wary of crossover fame.
Public Sentiment Turning
What began as a celebration of Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the league has quickly become a national debate on safety, favoritism, and leadership failure. While Clark’s jersey tops sales charts and her games continue to break ratings records, the repeated lack of consequences for players who physically target her is souring public trust in the league’s integrity.
“This isn’t just about one shove,” said WNBA columnist Mia Rhodes. “This is about whether the WNBA wants to grow or stay stuck in toxic gatekeeping. You don’t build a league by beating down your stars.”
What Happens Next?
Caitlin Clark is expected to play in the Fever’s upcoming matchup but will likely face more intense physical defense as teams test the limits of what’s allowed.
The WNBA Players Association has remained silent — a move some fans are calling “shameful.”
Commissioner Engelbert is expected to make a public appearance this weekend. Many are demanding she address the controversy head-on, or risk further damaging the league’s credibility.
The bottom line? Caitlin Clark may have survived this week’s shove — but the WNBA’s reputation might not.
Until the league proves it’s serious about protecting its stars, the question remains: Is the WNBA growing — or just getting uglier?
