Sophie Cunningham Fined After Explosive Podcast Rant: WNBA Cracks Down on Fever Star’s Comments About Referees on ‘Show Me Something’ with West Wilson

Podcast Debut Sets Off a Firestorm

Sophie Cunningham has always been known for her on-court intensity—but it was her mouth, not her game, that drew heat this time. On the first episode of her new podcast Show Me Something, co-hosted with Summer House star West Wilson and produced by Colin Cowherd’s network, Cunningham went off-script, slamming WNBA officiating and questioning the league’s disciplinary priorities.

Her comments didn’t go unnoticed.

Just days after the episode aired, the WNBA handed down a $1,500 fine, citing violations of league policy regarding public criticism of referees. The fine added to a growing list of infractions Cunningham has accumulated in recent weeks.

Her words were blunt and unapologetic:

“They’re just so inconsistent… If you’re on the other team and you’re going to be fining the f— out of me, cool. But let me do it to you. I think players across the league and new fans are all wondering, what is going on with the refs? And I’m like, ‘I don’t know.’ And you fining me $500 is not going to do sh–.”

With that, Sophie Cunningham launched herself into the middle of one of the biggest conversations in the WNBA this season.

A Pattern of Punishment

The $1,500 penalty wasn’t her first brush with WNBA fines.

Just a week earlier, Cunningham had posted a now-viral TikTok where she lip-synced to lyrics mocking someone’s intelligence, tagging it “@ some refs.” The clip exploded on social media, with fans interpreting it as a jab at league officiating. The league responded by fining her $500, which she publicly shared—and mocked.

“I got fined $500 for this TikTok… I don’t know why, but this is funny to me. Like okay, you got it bud. Because there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now?”

This followed another incident from mid-June, when Cunningham, in defense of rookie phenom Caitlin Clark during a heated game against the Connecticut Sun, was ejected for a flagrant foul after slamming an opposing player to the floor. That altercation also earned her a fine, though the amount was not made public.

In just a few weeks, Cunningham went from quiet offseason pickup to one of the most talked-about players in the WNBA—thanks as much to her social media and podcast commentary as her performance on the court.

No Apologies, No Regrets

While many players might have backed off after multiple fines, Cunningham appears to be doubling down.

On social media and on her podcast, she made it clear that she’s not sorry—and not scared of the consequences.

“If I was a ref, I know I’d mess up all the time. But when it’s a simple call, right in front of your face, multiple times—what are you doing? And you fining me $500? That’s not going to do anything.”

Her refusal to apologize only fueled fan support. Many praised her for saying what other players have allegedly been afraid to voice. Some even offered to cover her fines via online payment apps. The hashtag #FreeSophie began trending among WNBA fans, who argued that she was highlighting real issues in the league’s officiating and public relations strategies.

A New Role: The WNBA’s Enforcer and Truth-Teller

Since joining the Indiana Fever, Cunningham has evolved into more than just a role player. She’s become the squad’s emotional engine—and Caitlin Clark’s on-court bodyguard.

In a league where rookie sensations often become targets, Cunningham’s tough play and vocal defense of Clark have earned her both praise and criticism. Opposing fans see her as overly aggressive. Fever fans? They call her the enforcer.

But her transition into podcasting and media has positioned her as something else entirely: a truth-teller.

“Players have to use their platforms. If you’re silent, people either misunderstand you or make assumptions. I’m not here to play that game.”

Her new show with West Wilson is just one sign of the evolving media landscape around the WNBA. With more players starting podcasts, signing content deals, and building personal brands, the line between athlete and influencer continues to blur.

Bravo Crossover, Basketball Chaos

Adding to the intrigue is Cunningham’s unlikely partnership with Summer House star West Wilson. Known for his messy relationship drama and viral Bravo moments, Wilson brings a different kind of audience to the table. The chemistry between the two co-hosts is undeniable—part serious basketball analysis, part chaotic pop culture commentary.

On Show Me Something, they bounce between talking about WNBA officiating and dissecting celebrity breakups. And it’s working.

But Wilson accidentally stirred up headlines of his own when he joked about not knowing who Cunningham was before their collaboration:

“There was this girl on the Mercury—Sophie something? She had a scrappy vibe. My ex used to follow her or something like that.”

Cunningham laughed it off, calling him out playfully on air.

“You’re welcome for the clout, West.”

The crossover between Bravo’s reality TV fanbase and WNBA diehards has created an unlikely cultural moment. Fans are now demanding that Sophie guest star on Summer House, while Bravo Twitter has unofficially adopted her as their new favorite “Housemate Adjacent.”

The Bigger Picture: Free Speech or League Discipline?

Cunningham’s fines have sparked a wider debate across the sports world. How much should professional athletes be allowed to criticize officiating or the league that employs them?

In the NBA, players like Draymond Green have received similar fines but have also been praised for their honesty. In the NFL, harsh critiques often draw heavy penalties. But the WNBA’s much smaller salary structure means even a $500 fine carries more weight.

Many fans argue that Cunningham’s punishment feels petty, especially when the officiating critiques are shared by other players and coaches behind the scenes.

Others defend the league, saying there must be standards and that Cunningham crossed a line by turning officiating into a running joke.

The WNBA, for its part, hasn’t commented beyond confirming the fine—but insiders say more media guidelines may be coming soon for player-run content.

A Timeline of the Sophie Saga

June 17: Cunningham ejected and fined for flagrant foul during Indiana vs. Connecticut Sun game.
July 17: Posts TikTok mocking referees using sarcastic lyrics; it goes viral.
July 23: Reveals $500 fine for the TikTok and claps back on social media.
July 30: Drops first episode of Show Me Something podcast; criticizes WNBA referees again.
August 5: WNBA fines Cunningham $1,500 for her comments on the podcast.

What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?

Despite the fines, Cunningham is showing no signs of slowing down.

She continues to start for the Fever, who are making a legitimate push toward playoff contention thanks to the breakout performances of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Cunningham’s gritty, hard-nosed play has been a perfect complement to Indiana’s rising stars.

Her podcast is climbing the Apple and Spotify charts. Clips from her show trend weekly on TikTok and Twitter. And now, reality TV fans are pulling her into the Bravo-verse.

Whether she wants to or not, Sophie Cunningham has become a lightning rod. She’s the WNBA’s most fined player this season, its most controversial new media voice, and its newest crossover star.

As for the fines?

“It’s just money,” Cunningham shrugged on the latest podcast. “I’ve got more to say.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEhIUJQunbg