Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is not holding back when it comes to defending her teammate Caitlin Clark. Following a week of heated discussions surrounding officiating in the WNBA and player safety, Cunningham added her voice to the growing chorus calling out league referees for their perceived failure to protect one of the league’s brightest stars.
Speaking after the Fever’s practice on Saturday, Cunningham addressed her recent ejection in a game against the Connecticut Sun — a game that saw Caitlin Clark shoved to the ground in an incident that sparked plenty of debate. While Cunningham made it clear she’s ready to move forward, she also didn’t shy away from criticizing how the situation was handled by the officials.
“I’m not focused on the extracurricular activities,” Cunningham said. “During that, it was just part of the game. But I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a build-up of a couple of years now of them just not protecting the star player of the WNBA.”
The “star player” in question is, of course, Caitlin Clark — the rookie sensation whose transition from NCAA legend to professional standout has been one of the biggest stories in basketball this year. With her long-range shooting, court vision, and electric style of play, Clark has not only energized the Fever but also drawn in legions of fans, many of whom are new to the WNBA.
But Clark’s rising profile has come with its own set of challenges. As her fame grows, so does the target on her back — both figuratively and literally. From hard fouls to physical confrontations, Clark has endured her fair share of rough treatment on the court. And while some argue it’s part of the rookie experience or a response to the hype, others — including her teammates — believe the league’s officials have not done enough to manage the intensity.
Cunningham made it clear that she’s not interested in playing the blame game, but rather in protecting her team. “At the end of the day, I’m gonna protect my teammates — that’s what I do,” she emphasized. The statement was as much a declaration of loyalty as it was a subtle message to the league: If the officials won’t do it, the Fever will take matters into their own hands.
The comments come on the heels of similar remarks from other members of the Indiana organization, who have also spoken publicly about the need for consistent and fair officiating, particularly when it comes to high-profile players like Clark. With attendance and viewership surging this season — thanks in large part to the excitement surrounding Clark — there’s growing pressure on the league to ensure that its stars are treated with the same level of protection and professionalism that fans expect.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on how the league responds — not just to Cunningham’s comments, but to the broader issue of player safety and fairness. For now, Sophie Cunningham has made one thing clear: she’s going to stand up for her teammates, no matter what.