Caitlin Clark’s teammate, Sophie Cunningham, is sending a bold warning to WNBA referees after Clark was targeted by physical defense during a recent game against the Connecticut Sun. Cunningham, who took matters into her own hands by knocking Sheldon to the ground, believes the referees failed to protect Clark, and now she’s making it clear that she will step in if necessary. What’s next for the WNBA’s toughest enforcer, and will the referees heed her warning? Get the full story now! 👇👇

Caitlin Clark’s Teammate Sends Official ‘Warning’ to WNBA Referees Amid Physical Play

Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie for the Indiana Fever, has been on the receiving end of intense physical defense since entering the WNBA. In a recent game against the Connecticut Sun, Clark found herself in the middle of a heated altercation, sparking concern and frustration among her teammates, particularly Sophie Cunningham. The incident has led Cunningham to send an official “warning” to the WNBA’s referees about how they handle the league’s rising physicality.

The Incident That Sparked the Warning

The game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun turned chippy as Clark was struck in the eye by Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. The situation escalated when Sheldon’s teammate then knocked Clark to the ground during a transition play. The tension continued to build as the game progressed, leading to more physical confrontations. Later in the game, Sheldon herself was knocked to the ground by Sophie Cunningham, who has become known as Clark’s enforcer on the court.

After the incident, Cunningham voiced her frustration with the WNBA’s officiating, blaming the referees for allowing the physical play to escalate to such a point. “During that, it was just part of the game,” Cunningham said postgame. “I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a build-up for a couple years now of them just not protecting the star player of 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.”

Cunningham’s Direct Warning to Referees

Ahead of the Fever’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, Cunningham made it clear that if the WNBA’s referees didn’t take control of the situation, she would. “I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was built up for a couple years now, just not protecting the star player of the WNBA,” she explained. Cunningham’s statement was a direct warning to referees that if the officials continued to allow Clark to be physically targeted, she would step in herself to protect her teammate.

The Impact of Physical Play and Officiating in the WNBA

Cunningham’s comments shed light on the growing physicality in the WNBA, particularly when it comes to players like Caitlin Clark, who have quickly become marquee talents in the league. While Cunningham’s defense of her teammate is commendable, it raises questions about the role of referees in managing the escalating physical play. The WNBA is known for its high level of competition, but some argue that the league’s officiating needs to adapt to ensure that star players like Clark are adequately protected from excessive physicality.

While Cunningham’s warning to referees may be seen as a response to a single incident, it could be indicative of a larger concern within the league—how to balance intense competition with player safety. As the 2025 season continues, it will be interesting to see if Cunningham’s actions on the court become even more aggressive in defense of Clark, or if the league steps in to address the concerns raised by the Fever guard.

What’s Next for Clark and Cunningham?

With the Fever sitting at a 6-6 record, Clark’s rise as one of the WNBA’s top stars is undeniable. However, as her visibility and importance to the team grow, so does the target on her back. Cunningham’s role as the enforcer of the team will likely continue to evolve as the season progresses. Fans will be watching closely to see how the WNBA handles the rising tensions between physicality and protection, and whether Cunningham’s warning will have any lasting impact on the league’s officiating and approach to player safety.

For now, it’s clear that Cunningham is fully committed to protecting her teammate—and if that means getting more physical with Clark’s opponents, then that’s exactly what she’s prepared to do.