In a stunning turn of events that has sent ripples through the WNBA and its fanbase, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has called for the league to reschedule the recent Commissioner’s Cup final against the Indiana Fever, citing allegations of doping by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The claim, backed by what Reeve describes as photographic evidence of a leaking syringe found in the Fever’s locker room, has sparked intense debate and left the basketball community reeling. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White’s response has only added fuel to the fire, igniting a storm of reactions online.
The controversy erupted following the Indiana Fever’s surprising 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on July 1, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis. The Fever, considered underdogs with an 8-8 record and missing star player Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury, delivered a commanding performance, led by Natasha Howard’s 16 points and 12 rebounds, with Cunningham contributing 13 points off the bench. The Lynx, who entered the game with a formidable 14-2 record, struggled offensively, enduring an 8:13 scoring drought in the first half that allowed Indiana to seize control.
However, the post-game narrative quickly shifted from Indiana’s triumph to Reeve’s explosive allegations. In a press conference held shortly after the game, Reeve revealed that Lynx staff discovered a leaking syringe in the visitor’s locker room, which she claims points to possible doping by a Fever player, specifically targeting Cunningham. “We have photographic evidence that raises serious concerns about the integrity of this game,” Reeve stated. “Sophie Cunningham’s energy and performance were unusually dominant, and we believe the WNBA must investigate and reschedule this game to ensure fairness.” Reeve declined to elaborate further on the syringe’s contents, stating that the evidence has been submitted to league officials for analysis.
The accusation has cast a shadow over Cunningham, a polarizing figure known for her fiery on-court presence and recent surge in popularity. Nicknamed “Spicy Sophie” for her intense play, Cunningham has gained a massive following, amassing over a million TikTok and Instagram followers in recent weeks, largely due to her role as a staunch defender of teammate Caitlin Clark. Her aggressive style has drawn both praise and criticism, with some labeling her a “dirty player” after incidents like her flagrant foul against Connecticut Sun’s Jacy Sheldon earlier in June.
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White’s response to the allegations has further inflamed the situation. In a statement that stunned reporters and fans alike, White dismissed the claims as “baseless and desperate,” accusing the Lynx of attempting to deflect from their poor performance. “This is a new low, even for a team that couldn’t handle losing,” White said. “Sophie Cunningham played her heart out, as she always does, and to throw around accusations like this without concrete proof is an insult to her and our entire organization.” White’s fiery retort, combined with her suggestion that the Lynx “focus on their own game,” has divided the online community, with some praising her loyalty to her player and others accusing her of downplaying a serious issue.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have exploded with reactions. Fans of the Fever have rallied behind Cunningham, with hashtags like #StandWithSophie trending as supporters argue that the allegations are a smear campaign. “Sophie’s been a beast all season, no drugs needed!” one user posted. Conversely, some Lynx fans and neutral observers are calling for a thorough investigation, pointing to the syringe as a potential red flag. “If there’s evidence, the WNBA needs to act fast. This could be bigger than one game,” another user commented. The polarized reactions highlight the high stakes of the controversy, with Cunningham’s reputation and the Fever’s historic win hanging in the balance.
The WNBA has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but sources indicate that the league is reviewing the evidence provided by the Lynx. Doping allegations are rare in the WNBA, and the league’s testing protocols are stringent, requiring players to undergo regular screenings. If the syringe is found to contain a banned substance, it could lead to severe consequences, including suspensions or fines for Cunningham and potentially broader implications for the Fever. However, without conclusive evidence tying the syringe to Cunningham or confirming the presence of performance-enhancing substances, the allegations remain speculative.
Cunningham herself has not directly addressed the doping claims, but she posted a cryptic one-word caption, “Truth,” on X following the game, accompanied by a celebratory photo with teammates. The post, which has garnered thousands of likes, is being interpreted by some as a subtle rebuttal to the accusations. Her supporters argue that her performance—13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist—was consistent with her role as a high-energy bench player and not indicative of artificial enhancement.
The call to reschedule the game is unprecedented and faces logistical challenges, as the Commissioner’s Cup is a single-elimination final. Reeve’s demand has drawn skepticism from analysts, who note that rescheduling would require extraordinary justification, such as definitive proof of rule-breaking. “The WNBA isn’t going to overturn a game based on a syringe alone,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “They’ll need hard evidence linking it to Cunningham and a banned substance. Until then, this feels like a stretch.”
As the investigation unfolds, the basketball world is left grappling with questions about fairness, integrity, and the pressures of high-stakes competition. For Cunningham, already a lightning rod for controversy, the allegations add another layer to her complex public persona. For the Fever, the victory that should have been a moment of triumph is now mired in scrutiny. And for the WNBA, the outcome of this saga could shape perceptions of the league’s commitment to clean play. As fans await the league’s decision, one thing is certain: this story is far from over.
