“Chokehold Moment” Sparks Twitter Frenzy: Julie Vanloo Caught Grabbing Sophie Cunningham by the Neck in Sparks-Fever Game

Top 5 Plays of the Day – July 28, 2025

In what might be one of the most bizarre viral moments this WNBA season has seen, Los Angeles Sparks guard Julie Vanloo was caught by camera grabbing Indiana Fever enforcer Sophie Cunningham by the neck during a loose-ball scramble in the first quarter. The scene quickly exploded online, not only because of the physicality but also due to the surprising aftermath—both players laughed it off immediately afterward.

🔥 Intense Action on the Court

With 1:25 remaining in the first quarter, both Vanloo and Cunningham dove for a loose ball. In the hustle, Vanloo’s arm wrapped briefly around Cunningham’s neck—an action that could have crossed into foul territory. Instead, officials called it a jump ball. Within moments, both players were on their feet, smiling and communicating with ease, diffusing what could’ve devolved into a heated altercation Reddit+15Yardbarker+15Buzz News+15.

Sparks guard Rickea Jackson joined the scramble, but it was Vanloo’s move that drew instant attention. Despite the contact, no official foul was called, and play resumed with Cunningham winning possession and drawing a foul seconds later. Vanloo then nailed a three-pointer to give Los Angeles a 21-20 lead shortly after EssentiallySports.

🤝 From Clash to Camaraderie in Seconds

What stood out more than the physical play itself was how quickly both players defused the tension. After getting up, Vanloo flashed a grin; Cunningham laughed, and the two walked away together—no shoving, no words, and no continuation of the conflict. Fans praised this as “real basketball” Athlon Sports.

Sophie Cunningham later joked that she could’ve responded more aggressively but appreciated cool heads prevailed. Some fans added:

“Julie Vanloo is so lucky Sophie is in a good mood—she could’ve kicked her a‑s if she wanted to” Stamford Advocate+11Sportskeeda+11EssentiallySports+11.

🧠 Cunningham’s Track Record: Protector of the Stars

This isn’t Cunningham’s first neck-related incident. On June 17, during a Fever–Sun game, she placed Connecticut’s Jacy Sheldon in a chokehold after Sheldon fouled Caitlin Clark by hitting her in the eye. That altercation led to both players’ ejections and a Flagrant 2 foul for Cunningham, followed by a $400 fine, though no suspension occurred Yardbarker+4Sportskeeda+4The Sun+4.

Known as Indiana’s unofficial enforcer, Cunningham has made it clear:

“I’m going to protect my teammates. That’s what I do” EssentiallySports+1New York Post+1.

⚡ Sparks Shock Fever—Game Ends 89–87

Despite the viral moment, the actual game was a nail-biter. The Sparks edged out the Fever 89–87 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana led late but couldn’t close the deal, snapping their three-game win streak. Indiana now fell to 9-9, while still awaiting injured star Caitlin Clark, who remains sidelined due to a lingering groin issue SI+12EssentiallySports+12Buzz News+12.

🌐 Social Media Goes Wild

WNBA Twitter had a field day: meme-worthy captions, bold fan reactions, and even witty speculation about Vanloo’s motives. One viral post claimed:

“Julie Vanloo choked Sophie Cunningham and pulled her hair—and she liked it?” New York Post+12Buzz News+12EssentiallySports+12.

While some found the tone cringeworthy—”This is WWE, not basketball”—others embraced the viral chaos, highlighting how even gritty plays can quickly become meme fodder in 2025. The incident tapped into broader discussions about WNBA visibility, sports fandom culture, and respect for athletes Buzz News.

🙋‍♀️ Fans Praise De-escalation

Many viewers commended both players for keeping it light in a situation that could’ve escalated. One fan tweeted:

“I love how Sophie Cunningham and Vanloo de-escalated the situation with smiles. That’s real basketball” EssentiallySports.

The contrast between Cunningham’s previous aggressive altercation and this moment underlined how different contexts and personalities can deliver vastly different outcomes—even with similar physical contact.

🔄 What It Tells Us About the WNBA Today

Physical intensity is rising. WNBA has never been shy about physical play—but it’s increasingly visible to fans via viral moments.

Player personalities draw attention. Cunningham and Clark, in her absence, continue to dominate narratives—whether courtside, defending teammates, or making bold comments about expansion cities like Detroit and Cleveland EssentiallySportsSportskeeda.

Officiating scrutiny remains high. Fans repeatedly voiced frustration at uncalled fouls and inconsistencies in officiating across WNBA games this season The Sun.

📊 Quick Recap

Moment
What Happened
Outcome

Loose-ball scramble
Vanloo grabs Cunningham’s neck lightly
Jump ball called; no foul

Post-play reaction
Both players smile and walk off together
Display of sportsmanship

Previous Cunningham incident
She chokes Jacy Sheldon after foul on Caitlin Clark
Ejection, Flagrant 2, $400 fine

Social media explosion
Clip goes viral with meme-driven commentary
Sparks in headlines beyond game result

Officiating controversy
Fans question no foul call; WNBA officiating criticized overall
Wider debate on foul consistency

🔮 What May Lie Ahead

Further scrutiny of officiating protocols: Cunningham and teammates have repeatedly voiced concerns that refereeing inconsistencies affect high-stakes competition.

Player branding continues to boom: Moments like this—a combination of intensity and humor—boost personal brands and league visibility.

Indiana Fever vigilance: With Cunningham and Clark (soon to return) as focal points, the Fever continue to hover around .500 playoff contention.

League policy discussions: Debate continues around visibility vs. professionalism—some fans wonder whether viral physical moments overshadow actual basketball.

🎯 Final Take

In a league often overshadowed by basketball giants, this electric moment—Vanloo’s brief choke, Cunningham’s unbothered reaction, and WNBA Twitter blowing up—gave viewers something to talk about long after the box score was settled.

At 28, Sophie Cunningham has become a lightning rod for both confrontation and levity. At 32, Julie Vanloo, fresh off a recent roster move from Golden State to Los Angeles, found herself at the center of WNBA chaos in just one game. Both players, in their own way, highlight the evolving narrative of a league expanding beyond the hardwood.

What started as a hustle play ended up defining a snapshot of WNBA culture in 2025. And though Indiana fell short that night, it was Cunningham—laughing it off with Vanloo—who stole the headlines.

If you’d like a social media thread, video script, or a spotlight piece on Sophie Cunningham’s role this season, I’d be happy to help!