The WNBA has fined Caitlin Clark $200 for a comment she posted on Instagram criticizing officiating during a playoff game.
Although she hasn’t played since July 15 due to a groin injury, the Indiana Fever rookie has remained active on the bench and on social media. After teammate Lexie Hull hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Atlanta Dream, Clark celebrated the moment with two comments on the Fever’s Instagram highlight: “Elite bench mob” and “Refs couldn’t stop us.”
That second remark drew the league’s attention. Clark later shared the news of the fine on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Got fined $200 for this lol😂😂😂😂😂BENCH MOB WILL BE EVEN MORE ROWDY TOMORROW LETS GOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! @IndianaFever.”
Clark isn’t alone in facing penalties for speaking out. Fever forward Sophie Cunningham has already received three fines this season for comments about referees, including a $1,500 hit for calling foul calls inconsistent.
Despite being short-handed due to multiple injuries, Indiana pulled off a stunning 87-85 win over Atlanta in Game 3, advancing to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2015. And while Clark can’t play, her presence, and now her commentary, is still making waves.
