WNBA Writer Says Fever Banned Him Over Clark Injury Reports
The Indiana Fever revoked veteran reporter Scott Agness's credentials after he reported Caitlin Clark's last-minute withdrawal from a May game, citing inaccurate information despite his source.
Scott Agness, who covers the team for his independent Fieldhouse Files Substack, revealed Tuesday that the Fever organization revoked his credentialed access following his coverage of Clark’s injury status, according to New York Post.
The journalist said the team cited the spread of inaccurate and unsubstantiated information as their justification, specifically referencing his social media post about Clark being ruled out roughly 100 minutes before the Fever’s May 20 victory over the Portland Fire.
Agness wrote that Fever public relations staff confronted him before that game about the report and claimed it was false. However, he said there was no formal meeting or additional discussion before the team notified him of the credential revocation.
The incident stems from the controversial handling of Clark’s absence from the matchup against Portland. The WNBA star was scratched late despite not appearing on the team’s official injury report the day prior, a violation that prompted a league warning to the Fever, though no fine was imposed.
Head coach Stephanie White addressed the situation after the 90-73 defeat, telling reporters the superstar guard was healthy and not subject to load management protocols, but dealing with a back issue requiring precautionary rest.
Speaking to Front Office Sports, Agness defended his journalism. He said that while Fever PR demanded a retraction and insisted his report was false, he told them he had a trusted source and stood by his work. He added that he updated his coverage to include White’s pregame remarks.
The reporter currently has no formal pathway to credential reinstatement, and the Fever PR department has affirmed its position, according to his statements.
Neither the Fever nor the WNBA provided comment to New York Post when asked about the credential revocation.
This is not Agness’s first credentialing dispute in Indiana basketball. He was previously barred from covering the NBA’s Pacers after an allegation that he parked in a media lot without authorization during the 2024 All-Star Game, a claim he contests.
With information from New York Post
