Indianapolis, June 4, 2025 — A fiery controversy erupted in the WNBA following the Indiana Fever’s 85-76 victory over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson shocked fans and players alike by publicly demanding a drug test for Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who sat out the game due to a right ankle injury. Johnson’s claim—that no woman could run nonstop for an entire game “like a bull”—has ignited a firestorm of debate, with Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White delivering a response that left audiences in awe.
The drama unfolded in the post-game press conference after the Mystics fell to the Fever, snapping Indiana’s three-game losing streak. Despite Cunningham’s absence from the court due to her ongoing ankle injury, Johnson pointed to her recent performances, particularly her season debut on May 23 against the Atlanta Dream, where she scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds in just 20 minutes off the bench. Johnson, visibly frustrated after her team’s loss, stated, “I’ve seen Sophie Cunningham play. She runs nonstop, like a bull charging through the court. No woman can sustain that kind of energy for an entire game without something unnatural. I’m calling for a drug test to ensure fairness in this league.”
The comment immediately drew gasps from reporters and sparked outrage among Fever fans in attendance. Cunningham, who was courtside cheering her team alongside teammate Caitlin Clark (also sidelined with a quad strain), has been a dynamic addition to the Fever since her trade from the Phoenix Mercury in the offseason. Known for her relentless energy and gritty playstyle, Cunningham has earned the nickname “The Bull” among fans—a moniker Johnson seemingly referenced in her accusation. However, with Cunningham not even playing in the game, many questioned the timing and validity of Johnson’s demand.
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White, known for her composed demeanor, responded with a statement that quickly went viral. “Sydney Johnson can demand all the tests she wants, but she’d do better to test her own team’s defense—that’s what Sophie’s been running through all season,” White said, her voice steady but sharp. “Sophie Cunningham is a competitor who plays with heart, not enhancements. If Sydney wants to talk about bulls, she should look at her own team’s inability to stop us tonight. We didn’t need Sophie on the court to prove our strength.” White’s retort, delivered with a mix of defiance and wit, left the room in stunned silence before erupting into applause from Fever supporters.
The controversy comes at a tumultuous time for the Fever, who have been plagued by injuries. Both Cunningham and Clark have been sidelined, with Cunningham nursing a right ankle injury that was re-aggravated in a recent loss to the Connecticut Sun. Despite the absences, the Fever showcased their depth against the Mystics, led by a standout performance from Lexie Hull. Cunningham, who has been vocal about her eagerness to return, celebrated Hull’s effort on social media, writing, “Like DUHHH,” in the comments of the Fever’s Instagram post.
Critics of Johnson’s statement argue that her comments perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women in sports, implying that exceptional athleticism must be unnatural. The WNBA has not yet commented on whether a drug test will be pursued, but the league has a history of strict policies on performance-enhancing substances. Some fans speculate that Johnson’s outburst may stem from frustration after the Mystics’ defensive struggles, as they allowed the Fever to shoot 50.8% from the field and make 11 three-pointers.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham’s impact—on and off the court—continues to dominate headlines, and Stephanie White’s fierce defense of her player has only solidified the Fever’s resolve.
