Sophie Cunningham Faces Petition, But Finds Surprising Support
Sophie Cunningham has found herself at the center of WNBA controversy after a hard foul in a heated matchup sparked a fan petition calling for her removal from the league. But amid the backlash, the Indiana Fever forward is receiving unexpected praise from Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon.
The incident unfolded when Sophie Cunningham fouled Jacy Sheldon late in the game, a move many fans interpreted as retaliation for physical treatment aimed at Caitlin Clark. Sheldon had earlier fouled Clark multiple times, including a moment where Marina Mabrey shoved Clark to the floor. Cunningham clearly had enough—and chose to respond.
Becky Hammon: “Teammates Should Step In and Defend Caitlin”
Speaking on the situation, Hammon didn’t condemn the act, instead, she backed it.
“I think teammates should step in and defend Caitlin,” Hammon said. “There’s too much bumping, grabbing, and fouling that’s not getting called. People are tired of getting hit.”
Hammon added that Clark is simply too talented to be defended passively:
“She’s a beast… and she’s just going to continue to get better. But she’s a player you have to be physical with.”
Fans Divided Over Cunningham’s Aggressive Play
While some fans praised Sophie Cunningham for standing up for her teammate, others reacted harshly. A petition to ban Cunningham from the WNBA quickly gained traction, with over 380 signatures.
“Cunningham’s aggressive and malicious actions… diminish the spirit of competition,” the petition reads. “Removing her from the league would send a strong message that the WNBA does not tolerate violence or intimidation.”
Despite the criticism, Sophie Cunningham’s popularity seems to be soaring. Her jersey sold out following the incident, cementing her status as a new fan favorite in Indiana.
WNBA Takes Action—but Stops Short of Suspension
While the WNBA has fined Cunningham, the league has not disclosed the exact amount. No suspension has been issued, suggesting that league officials may view the incident as part of the physical nature of the game.
With tensions rising over how Caitlin Clark is being officiated, and how teammates respond. Cunningham’s act of defiance may spark more debates about physicality, respect, and protection in women’s basketball.
Read More: Sophie Cunningham Gets NFL Shoutout After Sticking Up for Caitlin Clark
