Sophie Cunningham: WNBA Players ‘Targeting’ Caitlin Clark, Bonner ‘Losing It’

Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham has voiced strong opinions regarding the treatment of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, suggesting that opposing players are actively targeting her and that officials are failing to provide adequate protection. Cunningham’s comments come in the wake of a controversial incident where Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas appeared to strike Clark in the throat after a game, an action for which no foul was called.

Speaking on her podcast Saturday, Cunningham didn’t mince words, stating, “You see the videos of literally kneeing and cheapshotting [Clark] in the throat… they’re definitely targeting her and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her.” She emphasized that this isn’t an isolated issue, adding, “Unfortunately, this type of [expletive] happens every single game to her and the league and the refs do absolutely nothing about it.”

Cunningham also addressed a separate, highly publicized exchange she had with Mercury player DeWanna Bonner during the same game. The interaction, which involved Cunningham repeatedly pointing at Bonner and officials, quickly went viral and spawned numerous internet memes. Cunningham recounted the incident with a touch of amusement, noting that Bonner seemed to be losing her composure. “I couldn’t help myself. I could not. She was losing her s— and all I was doing was literally pointing,” Cunningham explained. She further characterized the technical foul she received for the gesture as “the weakest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” asserting that she “didn’t say a word” during the entire exchange.

Adding to the controversy, Cunningham highlighted a recent WNBA promotional graphic that notably omitted Caitlin Clark, despite featuring Cunningham herself and other players. Cunningham found this decision baffling and criticized the league’s marketing strategy. “It is a joke. It is a joke,” she stated emphatically. “And this is why Kathy and the WNBA is getting lit up on social media because you are leaving out a generational [player], the best player to ever go through WNBA on this roster.”

A Pattern of Aggression Towards Clark

Cunningham elaborated on her belief that Clark is a target, pointing to the frequency of aggressive plays against the rookie. She mentioned that even her own Indiana Fever teammates were unaware of the severity of the incident involving Alyssa Thomas until after the game. “During real time last night, I did not see that happen,” Cunningham admitted. “None of our team saw it happen because I promise you if we would have seen that happen, we would have had her back.” This suggests that the aggressive plays against Clark are either subtle enough to be missed in the heat of the moment or occur with such regularity that they have become normalized, to the detriment of player safety.

The lack of fouls called on such plays further fuels Cunningham’s frustration. She believes the league’s officiating is not adequately addressing the physical nature of the game as it pertains to Clark, potentially encouraging more aggressive tactics from opponents. The implication is that without stricter enforcement, players might feel emboldened to continue these actions, viewing them as effective strategies rather than dangerous fouls.

The Viral Pointing Meme and Technical Foul

The incident with DeWanna Bonner provided a moment of levity, albeit one born from tension. Cunningham’s distinctive pointing gesture became an instant meme, a testament to its visual impact and the unusual nature of the confrontation. Cunningham’s playful recounting of Bonner’s reaction underscores her belief that the gesture itself, devoid of any verbal provocation from Cunningham, was enough to visibly agitate Bonner.

“She was losing her s— and all I was doing was literally pointing,” Cunningham reiterated, highlighting the perceived disproportionate reaction from Bonner. Cunningham’s subsequent technical foul for this action struck her as particularly egregious, given her account of remaining silent. This perceived inconsistency in officiating adds another layer to her critique of how the league is managing player conduct and game flow.

Critique of WNBA Marketing and Promotion

Beyond player conduct and officiating, Cunningham also turned her attention to the WNBA’s promotional efforts, specifically the decision to exclude Caitlin Clark from a recent league graphic. Cunningham argued that this oversight is a significant misstep, particularly given Clark’s immense popularity and impact on the league’s viewership. “If they were smart they would market this [expletive] out of some of us. They don’t,” she stated, advocating for a more strategic approach to player promotion.

Cunningham suggested that the league should be leveraging its star players, including Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, to drive engagement and revenue. “That should be Caitlin. That should be Kelsey Mitchell. That should be Aaliyah Boston. Like, why are we putting random players on there? I’m one of them…” she questioned, expressing confusion over the selection of players for promotional materials. Her point is that the league is missing an opportunity to capitalize on the excitement surrounding its top talent, potentially hindering its growth. “Even the people they put on the commercials, like they could, if they’re really trying to make money, they are going to put people out there that first of all people want to see, that people are going to bring attention to, and they just don’t. They just don’t. I don’t know what they think when all that happens.”

Key Takeaways

• Sophie Cunningham believes WNBA players are intentionally targeting Caitlin Clark.
• She criticized referees for not protecting Clark from aggressive plays.
• Cunningham recounted a viral moment where she pointed at DeWanna Bonner, leading to a technical foul.
• She expressed frustration over the WNBA’s marketing decisions, particularly excluding Clark from a promotional graphic.
• Cunningham argued the league should better promote its star players to increase revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Sophie Cunningham say about Caitlin Clark?

Sophie Cunningham stated that she believes opposing players are deliberately targeting Caitlin Clark and that the league and referees are not doing enough to protect her from aggressive plays.

What was the viral pointing incident involving Sophie Cunningham?

During a game, Sophie Cunningham repeatedly pointed at DeWanna Bonner and officials. The gesture became a viral meme, and Cunningham joked about Bonner’s reaction, while also receiving a technical foul for the action.

Why did Cunningham criticize the WNBA’s marketing?

Cunningham was critical because a WNBA promotional graphic omitted Caitlin Clark, whom she considers a generational talent. She argued that the league should focus its marketing efforts on its biggest stars to maximize revenue and viewership.

Cunningham’s candid remarks shed light on the intense scrutiny and physical challenges faced by Caitlin Clark in her rookie season. Her critique extends beyond on-court actions to encompass officiating standards and the league’s strategic promotion of its talent, suggesting a need for greater player protection and more effective marketing to capitalize on the growing interest in the WNBA.