BREAKING: Sophie Cunningham Goes On Scathing Rant Against WNBA Refs & Reveals Why She Had To “Protect’ Caitlin Clark In Wild Fever-Sun Brawl

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham went on a scathing rant against the WNBA refs and cited their inability to “protect” star players as her reason for defending Caitlin Clark in Tuesday’s game against the Connecticut Sun.

Tuesday night’s game between the Fever and Sun was a heated affair that resulted in three ejections and a couple of player fines. It all started when Jacy Sheldon was called for a foul after poking Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye.

As the two exchanged words, Marina Mabrey came in from behind and delivered a cheap shot on Clark. Sheldon was called for a flagrant one foul, and three technicals were issued following the melee.

Unhappy with Sheldon’s foul against Clark, Sophie Cunningham took matters into her own hands by putting a chokehold around the Connecticut star as she drove to the basket. Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen were all ejected following this skirmish.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, Sophie Cunningham ripped the WNBA officials for failing to protect star players. As such, it won’t stop her from “protecting” her teammates.

“I’m not focused on the extracurricular activities. During that, it was just part of the game. I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a buildup for a couple years now of them just not, 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.”

Cunningham’s emotional response struck a chord with many players and fans who feel that Clark, despite her massive popularity and impact on the league’s viewership, has been subjected to excessive physicality with little intervention from officials. Social media quickly lit up with support for Cunningham’s stance, with fans praising her loyalty and leadership.

Veteran analysts have also pointed out that the WNBA, now under intense national scrutiny due to Clark’s rising stardom, must adjust its officiating standards to better reflect the importance of protecting its most marketable talents — both for competitive fairness and for league optics.

No suspensions were handed out over the incidents, though the league both fined Mabrey and Cunningham. The decision not to issue suspensions has sparked further debate, with some believing it reflects a double standard or inconsistency in how players are disciplined — particularly when it comes to altercations involving marquee names.

As for Sophie Cunningham, she’s making it clear: retaliation is not her goal, but standing up for her team is non-negotiable. With tensions rising and the season heating up, her words may well serve as a rallying cry for a Fever team still trying to find its rhythm.

The Fever (6-6) will look to get back above .500 when they visit the struggling Las Vegas Aces on Sunday afternoon. Las Vegas has lost three in a row and five of their last six, but the defending champs remain dangerous — and this matchup could serve as a defining moment for both teams heading into the summer stretch. All eyes will be on how the Fever respond — and whether the league finally steps in to enforce consistent protection for its stars.