June 18, 2025 — What started as a routine WNBA showdown between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun quickly spiraled into one of the most chaotic moments of the season — and all eyes are on Sophie Cunningham.
Tensions had already been simmering throughout the game, especially after rising star Caitlin Clark clashed with Sun guard Jacy Sheldon in the third quarter. The two exchanged heated words, with teammates from both sides rushing in to deescalate what was clearly boiling beneath the surface.
But the fireworks didn’t end there.
Later in the quarter, Clark was violently shoved to the ground by Sun guard Marina Mabrey, further escalating the tension between the squads. It became clear that this wasn’t going to be just another game — it was turning into a war.
And then came Sophie Cunningham.
In what many fans are calling an “apparent act of payback” for Clark, Cunningham went after Sheldon in dramatic fashion. As Sheldon drove toward the basket late in the fourth quarter, Cunningham grabbed her by the neck, tossed her to the floor, and then yanked her hair — sparking an all-out brawl on the court.
Players from both teams rushed in. Coaches and referees scrambled to break up the scuffle as security personnel stood ready. The benches cleared. Fans in the arena watched in disbelief.
When the dust settled, Cunningham, Sheldon, and Indiana guard Lindsay Allen were all ejected from the game. Cunningham’s stat line showed five points and seven rebounds — but that’s not what anyone will remember.
WNBA Reacts
Though league officials have yet to issue a formal statement, insiders suggest multiple suspensions and fines are likely to follow. Footage of the incident is already going viral across social media platforms, with fans divided: some praised Cunningham’s passion and defense of Clark, while others condemned the move as unsportsmanlike and dangerous.
