SHOCKING NEWS: Julie Vanloo Choked Sophie Cunningham During Nasty Scramble For Loose Ball During Sparks-Fever Game
In a jaw-dropping moment that left fans in utter disbelief, the WNBA world was rocked last night as Los Angeles Sparks guard Julie Vanloo appeared to choke Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham during a chaotic scramble for a loose ball late in the third quarter. What started as a routine hustle play suddenly turned into one of the most heated on-court confrontations the league has seen in recent memory.
The incident occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Indiana Fever, held at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Cunningham dove for a ball near the baseline, followed closely by Vanloo, whose aggressive slide-in attempt quickly escalated into something much more dangerous.
Witnesses and slow-motion replays revealed a brief yet clearly visible moment when Vanloo wrapped her left arm around Cunningham’s neck as they both grappled for possession. Cunningham immediately flailed and attempted to push Vanloo off, but not before the Belgian guard seemed to tighten her grip for a split second.
The crowd gasped. Fever teammates rushed in. Referees blew their whistles repeatedly, separating the players before the confrontation got further out of control. The game was paused for over five minutes as officials reviewed footage and discussed the incident with both coaching staffs.
After a lengthy review, Vanloo was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and immediately ejected from the game. Cunningham, who appeared shaken but uninjured, was escorted to the Fever bench and remained in the game after a brief evaluation from team trainers.
WNBA Fans Outraged Online
Social media exploded within minutes of the incident. Hashtags like #VanlooChoke and #JusticeForSophie began trending on Twitter (now X), with fans across the league demanding accountability.
“Julie Vanloo needs to be suspended IMMEDIATELY,” one fan wrote. “This is not just dirty play – this is assault on the court.”
“I’ve never seen anything like this in a WNBA game. Sophie could’ve been seriously hurt,” another user added.
Even retired WNBA legends chimed in. Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi tweeted:
“We play hard, we play tough, but this? This crossed every line.”
Post-Game Reactions
Following the game, which the Fever narrowly won 84-81, both teams were tight-lipped, but the tension was palpable during post-game press conferences.
Fever head coach Christie Sides expressed visible frustration.
“I don’t care what team you’re on, you don’t put your hands on someone’s throat during a basketball game. That’s dangerous. Sophie is lucky she’s okay.”
Sophie Cunningham, known for her grit and physical play, stayed composed when asked directly about the incident.
“Things got out of hand,” she said. “I play with heart and intensity, but I draw the line at someone trying to choke me. I’m just glad the refs handled it.”
Julie Vanloo, however, had already left the arena before media access, and the Sparks organization declined to comment beyond a brief statement:
“We are aware of the situation and are reviewing the footage. The organization does not condone any behavior that endangers the safety of players.”
Potential Disciplinary Action
Sources close to the league told reporters that the WNBA disciplinary committee is already reviewing the footage and is expected to make a decision within 24 to 48 hours. According to league rules, a flagrant 2 foul that involves “unnecessary and excessive contact” can lead to additional fines, suspensions, or even multi-game bans, especially when involving dangerous contact to the neck or head.
Sports analysts predict a minimum one-game suspension for Vanloo, though some are calling for a harsher penalty to set an example.
A Bigger Issue?
This isn’t the first time tensions have boiled over in the ultra-competitive 2025 WNBA season. With playoff races tightening and rivalries intensifying, league officials may now face increased pressure to rein in overly aggressive play before someone gets seriously hurt.
For Cunningham, who’s had her share of on-court scuffles, this incident could become a defining moment of her season. For Vanloo, it risks tarnishing what was shaping up to be a promising year with the Sparks.
As fans await the WNBA’s official ruling, one thing is certain: the league has just witnessed one of its most shocking moments in recent memory—and everyone is watching to see what happens next.
