Sophie Cunningham Breaks Silence on WNBA Fine After Defending Caitlin Clark

Published: June 20, 2025

Indianapolis, Indiana — Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has finally addressed the recent controversy surrounding her on-court incident involving Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, which resulted in a fine imposed by the WNBA.

During a fast-paced game between the Mercury and Fever, Cunningham committed a foul on Clark that was initially called a common foul but was later upgraded to a flagrant foul after video review. The league subsequently fined Cunningham for the play.

Cunningham’s Statement

In her first public remarks since the incident, Cunningham expressed regret over how the play unfolded but reaffirmed her dedication to defending her teammates and maintaining competitive spirit on the court.

“I’ve always been a player who stands up for my teammates. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt, and I certainly don’t want to be the cause of it,” Cunningham said.

She acknowledged the physical nature of professional basketball but emphasized that respect and safety must always come first.

The Incident and Impact

The foul happened in the second quarter during a fast break when Cunningham made contact with Clark mid-air, causing Clark to fall. Despite the collision, Clark was able to continue playing and delivered a strong performance, contributing 15 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in the Fever’s 88–82 win over the Mercury.

The league’s decision to fine Cunningham sparked debate among fans and commentators regarding the boundaries of aggressive defense and player safety protocols in the WNBA.

Looking Ahead

Both Cunningham and Clark remain key figures in the league, known for their competitive fire and skill. The incident has added to ongoing conversations about officiating consistency and the balance between physicality and sportsmanship in professional women’s basketball.

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