The WNBA on Monday released a formal apology to the Indiana Fever after reviewing a disputed foul call involving star guard Caitlin Clark and Atlanta Dream standout Rhyne Howard during Sunday’s August 16 thriller.
In a tightly contested matchup that came down to the final minutes, officials whistled Howard for a defensive foul while guarding Clark near midcourt in the third quarter. The call awarded Clark free throws and helped shift momentum in a game the Fever ultimately won in dramatic fashion. Replays circulating widely after the contest, however, showed Clark initiating contact as she created space, with Howard’s defensive positioning appearing legal under league standards.
The league’s officiating department conducted a thorough review overnight. In a statement released Monday afternoon, the WNBA acknowledged the error: “After full examination of the sequence between Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard, we have determined the foul call was incorrect. The contact did not meet the criteria for a personal foul as defined by the rules. We apologize to Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever organization, and the fans for this mistake. Improving consistency and accuracy in real-time officiating remains a core priority.”
The rare public admission comes amid ongoing scrutiny of officiating in games featuring Clark, the league’s most prominent player. Fever head coach Stephanie White expressed measured appreciation for the acknowledgment while underscoring the need for better on-court accuracy. “We respect the league for taking a second look and owning the mistake,” White said. “These games are physical and competitive. Our players deserve the right calls in the moment. Caitlin competes with intensity every night, and consistency benefits everyone.”
Howard, who delivered a strong two-way performance for the Dream, offered no extended comment. An Atlanta spokesperson noted that physical defense is inherent to the rivalry and that the team trusts the league’s review process.
Sunday’s thriller added another intense chapter to the Fever-Dream series, which has featured several chippy exchanges between Clark and Howard in recent seasons. While the apology does not alter the final result, it highlights the league’s effort to address high-profile mistakes involving its marquee talent.
Clark is expected to be available for the Fever’s next game as both teams continue their push toward the postseason.
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