“THIS ISN’T JUST A FOUL—IT’S A LINE CROSSED” – Sophie Cunningham FACES PETITION TO BE BANNED FROM THE WNBA After CONTROVERSIAL PLAY IGNITES OUTRAGE During Fever vs. Sun Showdown

Tempers flared and controversy erupted after WNBA star Sophie Cunningham delivered a hard foul during the Indiana Fever’s heated matchup against the Connecticut Sun. What looked like an aggressive defensive move quickly spiraled into a full-blown public outcry, with thousands signing a petition demanding her removal from the league. Fans and analysts are now asking: was it just part of the game—or something more dangerous? As video of the moment continues to circulate online, the backlash is growing fast.

Get all the jaw-dropping details behind the foul, the fallout, and whether the WNBA will take action—read the full story now.

Sophie Cunningham has faced criticism in recent weeks(Image: Getty Images)

Sophie Cunningham faced a petition calling for her to be banned from the WNBA after she fouled an opponent during the Indiana Fever’s recent win against the Connecticut Sun.

Yet the star has been defended by a rival coach. Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon expressed admiration for Cunningham’s actions, following her retaliatory hard foul on a Sun player who had previously fouled her teammate Caitlin Clark earlier in the match.

Cunningham has been on the receiving end of both accolades and animosity for the incident that led to a scuffle and subsequently sparked a petition calling for her exclusion from the league. Cunningham’s contentious move came against Jacy Sheldon in the dying moments of the game.

It appeared that Cunningham wasn’t attempting a play on the ball but rather aiming to take down her adversary, who had repeatedly fouled Clark during the game. Earlier, Clark seemed to be singled out by the Sun, even being pushed to the floor by Connecticut guard Marina Mabrey.

It seemed that Cunningham’s response was in defense of Clark. Addressing the situation with Clark and the way it was handled by officials, Hammon pointed out that the Fever guard will have to grow accustomed to tough fouls as her career progresses.

She said: “She’s a beast… and she’s just going to continue to get better. But she’s a player who you have to be physical with. If you just follow her around, she’s going to cook you for dinner.”

The Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun clashed earlier this month(Image: Getty Images)

When queried about her take on Cunningham and her teammates coming to her defense, Hammon openly expressed her approval. She remarked: “I think teammates should step in and defend Caitlin.

“But at the end of the day… there’s too much bumping, too much grabbing, too much fouling that’s not getting called. And people are tired of getting hit.”

Cunningham has rapidly risen to fan-favorite status with the Fever since her arrival with Clark, evidenced by her jersey selling out post-incident.

Conversely, a faction of fans is campaigning for her expulsion from the league. A peculiar petition, boasting 388 signatories, lays out their argument for why her conduct is unfit for the league.

“Cunningham has been involved in numerous incidents that have not only compromised the safety of other players but also tarnished the reputation of the WNBA as a league that prides itself on integrity and fair play,” the petition alleges.

“The WNBA has always been a beacon of sportsmanship and empowerment, showcasing the talents of incredible athletes who inspire fans around the world… Sophie Cunningham’s aggressive and malicious actions have violated these principles, diminishing the spirit of competition and setting a poor example for aspiring young athletes.

“We urge the WNBA to uphold its standards and take firm action against players who repeatedly demonstrate disrespect and aggression toward others. Removing Sophie Cunningham from the league would send a strong message that the WNBA does not tolerate violence or intimidation, ensuring that the court remains a place for celebration, skill, and unity rather than conflict.”

The league has fined Cunningham, but the WNBA has not disclosed the specifics of the punishment.