In a recent outburst that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly criticized league referees for what she perceives as a consistent failure to protect the league’s brightest star, Caitlin Clark. The comments came in the wake of a physical altercation during a game against the Connecticut Sun on June 17, 2025, where Clark was subjected to aggressive fouls, sparking a brawl that saw Cunningham ejected and fined. Her bold stance has not only ignited debates about officiating in the WNBA but also cemented her reputation as Clark’s on-court “enforcer,” earning her both praise and criticism.

The incident that sparked Cunningham’s ire occurred during the Fever’s 88-71 victory over the Connecticut Sun. In the third quarter, Clark, the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year and a former No. 1 draft pick, was poked in the eye by Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. As Clark reacted, Sun’s Marina Mabrey escalated the situation by shoving Clark to the ground, an action that many felt warranted immediate ejection. However, the referees initially issued only a technical foul, a decision later upgraded to a Flagrant 2 by the WNBA, meaning Mabrey should have been ejected during the game. Frustrated by the lack of protection for her teammate, Cunningham took matters into her own hands in the final minute of the game, committing a hard foul on Sheldon during a fastbreak layup attempt. This led to a bench-clearing scuffle, Cunningham’s ejection, and a $400 fine from the league, along with an additional undisclosed penalty for her role in the altercation.

Speaking to reporters after a Fever practice on June 22, Cunningham did not back down from her actions. “I’m not focused on the extracurricular activities,” she said. “During that, it was just part of the game. I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a build-up for a couple of years now of them just not protecting the star player of the WNBA. And so, at the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates. That’s what I do. And I’m a team player.” Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among Fever players, coaches, and fans that Clark, who has faced repeated physical challenges from opponents, is not adequately shielded by officials.

Cunningham’s defense of Clark has resonated deeply with fans, propelling her into the spotlight. Since the incident, her social media following has skyrocketed, with nearly 700,000 new TikTok followers and over 244,000 on Instagram, bringing her totals to 1.3 million and 775,000, respectively. Her jersey sales have also surged, selling out at the Indiana team store, a testament to her growing popularity as Clark’s protector. Fans on X have hailed her as “the hero the WNBA needs,” with one user declaring, “Finally a teammate got Caitlin Clark’s back after the assault she’s taken tonight. Sophie Cunningham, you are a G.” Even NFL player Jared Verse praised her, tweeting, “THIS STANDING ON BUSINESS!!!!”

However, not all reactions have been positive. A Change.org petition calling for Cunningham’s ban from the WNBA has garnered hundreds of signatures, with some fans arguing her actions were too aggressive and promoted violence. Despite this, the league opted not to suspend her, issuing fines to both Cunningham and Mabrey instead. Fever head coach Stephanie White also criticized the referees, echoing Cunningham’s concerns about their failure to maintain control and ensure player safety.

Cunningham’s emergence as Clark’s “enforcer” has added a new layer to her persona. A black belt in Taekwondo and a farm-raised Missouri native, she brings a gritty, no-nonsense approach to the court. Her off-court antics, like wearing a “Tres Leches” T-shirt featuring caricatures of herself, Clark, and teammate Lexie Hull, have further endeared her to fans, who have embraced the trio’s nickname. While her actions have drawn fines and controversy, they’ve also made her a viral sensation, with many seeing her as a necessary counterbalance to the physical targeting of Clark. As the WNBA navigates its evolving landscape, Cunningham’s fierce loyalty and unapologetic stance have made her a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure.