WNBA controversy grows after Caitlin Clark's fall and Sophie Cunningham hit with double fine
WNBA controversy grows after Caitlin Clark fall and Sophie Cunningham hit with double fine (Image via Getty)
A tense game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun has turned into a bigger story off the court. That was a rough fight that ended in moot fouls, arguing, and extra punishment from the WNBA.
The Indiana Fever won the game defeating the Dream 88-71 on Tuesday night, June 18, 2025 in Indianapolis, but all attention quickly shifted back to a hard moment featuring Caitlin Clark. Fans are still talking about what happened these last few minutes, and now it's been communicated that the league didn't like it either.
Sophie Cunningham fined again after foul on Jacy Sheldon and Caitlin Clark's fall
With the game winding down on Tuesday, Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham drove into Connecticut Sun rookie Jacy Sheldon and fouled her hard.
The drama unfolded immediately after the foul. There was lots of shoving, together with a player screaming at another. Simultaneously, Caitlin Clark was knocked to the ground after being shoved by Marina Mabrey of the Connecticut Sun.
Following a review of the whole scenario, the WNBA acted decisively on increasing penalties. Sophie Cunningham was first given a Flagrant-2 foul, which comes with an automatic fine.
But the league also gave her another fine for making the situation worse. The actual amounts of the penalties were not disclosed.
Caitlin Clark, who had 20 points, 6 assists and 1 rebounding in the game that night, also found herself caught up in the tornado. She and her teammate, Tina Charles, were both given technical fouls. It was a messy and dramatic end to what should have been just another regular-season win for the Indiana Fever.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa and coaches react to tense game in Indianapolis
After the game, Connecticut Sun center Olivia Nelson-Ododa shared her thoughts on what happened. She said, 'It was a physical game tonight. When things aren't controlled early, they get out of hand.'
Fever head coach Stephanie White also spoke briefly but did not go into details. The league is still silent as to whether other measures will be employed.
The game held on June 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, also raises new questions about how the WNBA protects its players, particularly its rising stars like Caitlin Clark.
Also Read:
Who Is Sophie Cunningham? Viral WNBA Moment Shows Her Fierce Defense Of Caitlin Clark
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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