Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark found herself in the spotlight again after receiving her sixth technical foul of the season during the team’s September 13 loss to the Las Vegas Aces. The foul has put Clark on the verge of a potential suspension, as WNBA rules enforce an automatic one-game suspension for players who accumulate seven technical fouls in a season.

With the Fever gearing up for their first playoff appearance in eight years, the timing of Clark’s latest technical foul has caused some anxiety among fans and teammates.

As the frontrunner for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, Clark’s presence on the court is crucial, and the possibility of her missing a critical game has sparked concern.

However, the Fever quickly addressed these worries. A team spokesperson reassured the public, confirming that any suspension due to a seventh technical foul would not carry over into the postseason, alleviating fears of Clark being sidelined during a pivotal playoff moment.

“According to a Fever spokesperson, the technical foul rule resets for the playoffs,” noted Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star. “So, Clark would not be suspended if she picks up one in the first round of the playoffs in two weeks.”

The consequences

While she dodges a potential postseason suspension, Clark’s sixth technical foul still comes with consequences. As reported by Peterson, WNBA players are fined $400 upon receiving their sixth technical, adding a financial penalty to the emotional toll of the moment.

In the WNBA, a player is suspended for one game after accumulating seven technical fouls in a season, with additional suspensions occurring for every second technical thereafter (e.g., 9th, 11th, 13th). Players also face increasing fines: $200 each for their first three technicals, $400 each for technicals 4-6 and $800 for each one after the seventh.