The Indiana Fever revoked the credentials of longtime basketball beat reporter Scott Agness over a social media post on Caitlin Clark’s status for a game against the Portland Fire last month.
The Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) has now issued a statement on the matter, taking aim at the Fever.
PBWA Calls Out Indiana Fever for Taking Away Reporter’s Credentials Over Caitlin Clark Story
Agness announced on Tuesday that his credentialed access had been revoked by the Fever for spreading what they claimed was “inaccurate and unsubstantiated information.” The long-time Indiana Pacer and Fever beat reporter had written on social media that Clark’s absence was part of a “strategic management plan.”
The PBWA’s WNBA charter board issued a statement on Tuesday, criticizing the Fever for revoking Agness’ credentials.
“The PBWA objects in the strongest possible terms to any reporter losing access for the act of reporting. Any effort to prevent reporters from doing the work of informing the public reflects poorly on any team and league which attempts to do so, and runs contrary to the best interests of all involved, most of all the public,” the statement read.
Clark was ruled out 100 minutes before the Fever’s game against the Fire due to a back issue, which prompted the WNBA to issue a warning to the franchise about injury reporting protocols. Fever head coach Stephanie White clarified at the time that the absence was not related to workload management, but rather due to a back issue.
Agness, who has been covering the Fever since 2013, provided more context on the story with a post on his Substack on Tuesday. He felt that the Fever took issue with his choice of words over Clark’s injury. He also made it clear to the franchise that he stood by his reporting.
The journalist also revealed on his Substack that he has also faced issues over his access being “inexplicably shifted overnight” by the Pacers in recent years. He claimed that his access was revoked because he parked in the media lot without the proper clearance. Both teams are owned by the Pacers Sports & Entertainment group.
Despite his access being revoked, Agness remains committed to providing coverage surrounding the Fever and the Pacers on his Substack channel.
Meanwhile, Clark has overcome her back issue and featured in each of the Fever’s last three games. She is averaging 20.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds across 7 games this season.
