The WNBA community was rocked by an unverified claim that Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson demanded a rescheduling of a game against the Indiana Fever, citing suspicions that Fever guard Sophie Cunningham used performance-enhancing drugs. The allegation points to supposed photographic evidence of a syringe leaking in the locker room, with Fever coach Stephanie White’s response allegedly shocking fans online. Despite the sensational nature of this claim, no official reports from sources like ESPN, The Washington Post, or the WNBA confirm such an accusation, rescheduling request, or evidence. The story appears to be a speculative narrative, possibly fueled by the competitive intensity of recent Mystics-Fever games and Cunningham’s standout performances.
The claim centers on a May 3, 2025, preseason game where the Fever defeated the Mystics 79-74 in overtime, with Cunningham scoring a game-high 21 points off the bench. Her physical play, including drawing a flagrant foul from Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen and a technical foul from Brittney Sykes, sparked tensions. Fever coach Stephanie White praised Cunningham’s toughness, calling her a “dawg” and an “X factor” for the team. This performance, coupled with Cunningham’s reputation for gritty play, may have fueled exaggerated rumors about her physicality. However, doping allegations are a serious matter, and no credible source, including WNBA statements or posts on X, corroborates the syringe evidence or Johnson’s alleged request.
Sydney Johnson, in his first year as Mystics head coach, has focused on building a fast-paced, transition-oriented team with young talents like Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. His analytical approach, rooted in his experience with HD Intelligence, emphasizes structure and player development. Accusing an opponent of doping would be a drastic departure from his reported demeanor, which players like Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin have described as enthusiastic and empowering. Similarly, Stephanie White, a frontrunner for 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year, has been lauded for fostering cohesion among the Fever’s revamped roster, including stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Her response to such an accusation would likely be measured, not sensational, as the rumor suggests.
The Mystics-Fever rivalry has been intense, with a May 28, 2025, game ending in an 83-77 Mystics victory. The Fever, without Clark due to a quad injury, struggled offensively, while the Mystics’ depth, led by Sykes’ 21 points and Austin’s 13, shone through. This competitive backdrop could inspire exaggerated narratives, but doping claims require substantial evidence, which is notably absent. The WNBA has strict anti-doping policies, and any such allegation would prompt an official investigation, yet no reports indicate one underway.
The rumor’s spread reflects the polarized nature of sports discourse, where viral claims can amplify tensions without evidence. Cunningham’s aggressive style and the Mystics’ surprising 3-3 start under Johnson make them targets for speculation. If true, a doping scandal would shake the WNBA, but the lack of corroboration suggests this is likely misinformation. Fans should approach such claims skeptically, relying on verified sources to separate fact from fiction in the high-stakes world of professional basketball.
