Sophie Cunningham slams WNBA referees for not protecting ‘star player’ Caitlin Clark after Indiana Fever bust-up

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has launched a stunning attack on referees for failing to protect the league’s top talent.
The 28-year-old Indiana Fever guard has been dubbed Caitlin Clark’s “enforcer” after her role in a wild brawl against the Connecticut Sun earlier this month.

Three WNBA players, including Jacy Sheldon #4, during a game.
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Sophie Cunningham’s role in a brawl with the Connecticut Sun has made her a fan favoriteCredit: AP

Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham on the bench.
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The 28-year-old has claimed refs have failed to protect teammate Caitlin ClarkCredit: AP

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and a New York Liberty player shaking hands on the court.
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Clark, the 2024 No. 1 pick, won the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year last seasonCredit: Getty

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever walking in a gray pinstripe suit.
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Cunningham joined the Fever in January and wants more protection for the league’s young starsCredit: Getty
Cunningham tussled with Sun players after former No. 1 pick Clark was victim of a number of hard fouls.

The Missouri native – who joined the Fever in January – has since become a viral sensation.

Sales of her jersey have skyrocketed among WNBA fans after her ejection against the Sun.

But Cunningham believes Clark – and a host of the league’s other young stars – are not getting enough protection.

“I think the refs had a lot to do with that,” Cunningham told reporters on Saturday, referring to the brawl.

“It was a build up for a couple years now of them not protecting the star player in 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, so it’s all good.”

“Sophie saying the quiet part out loud as a player. Love to see it,” responded on fan on X.

“The rest of her teammates should take notice,” declared another.

Cunningham’s combative approach has not been a hit with every WNBA fan.

The Fever star threw Suns opponent Jacy Sheldon to the ground to spark the melee last week.

It came after Sheldon had earlier fouled Clark in a bad-tempered match.

Cunningham has since been fined by the WNBA for the Flagrant-2 fouls

But some fans want the league to go even further.

A petition to have Cunningham REMOVED from the league has already amassed hundreds of signatures.

It cites “repeated displays of unsportsmanlike conduct” from the guard that have “tarnished the reputation of the WNBA”.

The petition also claims Cunningham “compromised the safety of other players” as it urged the league to take rigorous action.


Cunningham grew up in Colombia, Missouri, with her sporting prowess evident before she’d even left the first grade.

The young Sophie earned her Taekwondo black belt at the age of just SIX.

And in high school, her sporting talents even extended to the football field.

Short of a kicker after he went down with an ACL injury, Rock Bridge High School’s desperate coach called on Cunningham to step in for kicking duties.

The WNBA came calling in 2019 after the 6-foot-1 Cunningham impressed for the Missouri Tigers.

She spent five seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Fever earlier this year.