Caitlin Clark has canceled her scheduled public appearance where she was to wave the green flag at the Indianapolis 500 qualifying event on Sunday, shortly after her heated confrontation with Angel Reese during a game. The announcement of her withdrawal, reportedly due to a “scheduling conflict,” came just hours before the event where she was expected to join Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White at the flag stand.
The altercation between Clark and Reese occurred during a matchup that saw tensions flare over a foul committed by Clark. The two prominent figures in women’s basketball were separated by teammates amidst the fracas which led to Clark receiving a flagrant foul and Reese a technical foul.
Clark’s original appearance was set for 1 p.m. local time, but following her decision to step back, White will now be accompanied by Clark’s teammates, Aliyah Boston, Sophie Cunningham, and Makayla Timpson, at the race.
Despite the drama on the court, the Indiana Fever showcased a strong performance with a commanding 93-58 victory over the Sky, marking an impressive start to the professional careers of both Clark and Reese in their sophomore season. Last year, the duo faced off four times, with Clark’s Fever winning three matchups.
Both players were recognized as WNBA All-Stars last season and played significant roles in defeating Team USA during a pivotal game before their national team secured gold at the Olympics. The recent events echo the intensity of their rivalry that sparked new interest in women’s basketball, particularly highlighted by Reese’s iconic gesture during the LSU-Iowa national championship game.
While the confrontation may have raised some eyebrows, Clark has asserted that her actions were not driven by malice, setting a competitive tone as the WNBA season unfolds. This season promises to be exciting as both players look to maintain their momentum while generating enthusiastic support for women’s sports.