A History of Bad Decisions
Carter has already burned bridges with multiple teams, and this latest incident appears to be the final straw. Her tenure in the league has been marked by drama, locker room issues, and a lack of accountability. When Sky head coach Tyler Marsh held a press conference discussing the team’s future, he praised Angel Reese and Cardoso but barely mentioned Carter. That alone spoke volumes.
The matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever was already heated, with Caitlin Clark dominating as usual. Carter, frustrated and overmatched, lashed out with a reckless shove that sent shockwaves through the league. The crowd gasped, players on the court were stunned, and WNBA coaches watching from the stands mentally crossed Carter’s name off their rosters.
One scout described the incident, stating, “It wasn’t just the push—it was the energy behind it. You could see the frustration boiling over. That’s not what we want in this league.” Clark, caught off guard, responded with confusion rather than retaliation, further highlighting the stark difference between the two players’ professionalism.
No Remorse, No Second Chances
Carter had the opportunity to do damage control. She could have apologized, taken responsibility, or at least acknowledged the incident. Instead, she doubled down, denied saying anything, and brushed off questions about Clark. Her lack of accountability cemented her fate.
The Chicago Sky’s front office made their stance clear when they announced that Carter would not receive a qualifying offer, making her an unrestricted free agent. That decision is almost unheard of in the WNBA—teams rarely let their leading scorers walk away for nothing. But in Carter’s case, the message was clear: they would rather have an empty roster spot than deal with her attitude.
Adding insult to injury, Carter’s former teammate Angel Reese, known for her outspoken nature, unfollowed her on social media. In today’s digital age, that’s the equivalent of slamming the door in someone’s face. Reports suggest multiple teammates pushed for Carter’s exit, indicating serious locker room issues.
While Carter finds herself jobless, Caitlin Clark’s star continues to rise. Clark isn’t just another player; she’s the WNBA’s biggest draw, setting attendance records, boosting TV ratings, and bringing unprecedented financial opportunities to the league. Merchandise sales have skyrocketed, with Clark’s jersey topping the charts. Her presence has been so impactful that the WNBA is now discussing stricter disciplinary rules to protect high-profile players from unnecessary physicality—directly tied to Carter’s shove.
WNBA executives aren’t mincing words about Carter’s future. One team official bluntly stated, “We wouldn’t touch her with a 10-foot pole.” Another described her as a “locker room cancer,” a label that, in professional sports, is often the kiss of death. With no teams expressing interest, Carter’s WNBA career appears to be in free fall.
Meanwhile, Clark is changing the game, not just for herself, but for the entire league. Her success is pushing the WNBA into a new era of financial growth and increased visibility. While Carter’s bad attitude and reckless actions have sidelined her, Clark’s professionalism and talent are paving the way for higher salaries, better sponsorships, and a brighter future for women’s basketball.
So the question remains: Is this truly the end for Chennedy Carter in the WNBA? Or is there still a team willing to take a risk on a player with undeniable talent but an equally undeniable track record of self-destruction?
