Sales of Cunningham’s jersey have sky-rocketed after the incident
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.
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Sophie Cunningham’s role in a brawl with the Connecticut Sun has made her a fan favoriteCredit: AP
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The 28-year-old has claimed refs have failed to protect teammate Caitlin ClarkCredit: AP
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Clark, the 2024 No. 1 pick, won the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year last seasonCredit: Getty
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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.
