In a heated exchange on social media, Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, expressed his outrage at Marina Mabrey and the WNBA following a contentious incident during a recent game between the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever. Portnoy took to X to voice his frustration, saying, “Imagine not kicking Marina Mabrey out after she assaults the face of the league?” He accompanied his statement with a video clip capturing the moment of the altercation, further emphasizing his disapproval of the league's response.
The controversy erupted in the third quarter of the game, which concluded with an 88-71 victory for the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The situation escalated when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon poked Indiana superstar Caitlin Clark in the eye. In retaliation, Clark bumped into Sheldon, prompting Mabrey to intervene aggressively. This led to Mabrey knocking Clark to the ground, sparking outrage among fans and commentators alike.
Following a review of the play, officials decided to upgrade the foul against Sheldon to a flagrant 1. Additionally, they assessed technical fouls to Clark, Mabrey, and Sun center Tina Charles, all of whom were involved in the scuffle. The decision by the referees drew sharp criticism, particularly from Portnoy, who has publicly supported Clark throughout her career since entering the league from Iowa.
After the game, crew chief Ashley Gloss addressed the media, explaining the rationale behind the foul assessments. She stated that Sheldon’s foul was deemed flagrant due to its unnecessary nature and the potential for injury it posed. However, Gloss clarified that Mabrey's actions did not meet the criteria for a flagrant foul or an ejection, stating, “The contact made by Mabrey did not rise to the level of an ejection.”
As tensions continued to rise, the game saw further altercations. With less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter and the Fever comfortably ahead, Sheldon was involved in a fast break when Sophie Cunningham of the Fever yanked her down, seemingly in retaliation for the earlier scuffle. This incident escalated into a shoving match, resulting in the ejection of Sheldon, Cunningham, and Sun guard Lindsay Allen.
This game was pivotal for Caitlin Clark, marking her second appearance since recovering from a left quad strain that sidelined her for five games. Clark made a triumphant return just days prior, scoring a season-high 32 points and making seven 3-pointers in a commanding 102-88 win over the previously unbeaten Liberty. In the recent match against Connecticut, she contributed significantly with 20 points, six rebounds, and one assist, helping Indiana secure a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup final against the Lynx.
As the WNBA season progresses, the intensity of the games and the emotions surrounding them continue to captivate fans. The incident involving Mabrey, Clark, and the referees highlights the competitive nature of the league and the passionate responses from its supporters, including prominent figures like Dave Portnoy.
