WNBA BOMBSHELL: Sophie Cunningham Defends Caitlin Clark — “I Had to Wreck a Chick Because the League Wouldn’t Protect Her”
Sophie Cunningham says she had to wreck a chick because the WNBA hadn’t been willing to protect Caitlin Clark for two years. Love this:
Sophie Cunningham: “Oh, you know what? I’m just going to be me. I don’t go in there trying to predetermine anything. You know, I’m dialed in; I need to focus on hitting my shots, making sure I’m executing the schemes right. I’m not focused on the extracurricular activities. And you know what? During that, it was just part of the game. I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a buildup for a couple of years now of them just not protecting, you know, 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.”
In one of the boldest postgame interviews of the WNBA season, **Phoenix Mercury star Sophie Cunningham** didn’t hold back after a heated matchup that saw tensions boil over on the court. When asked about the physical play and her fiery presence, Cunningham made it clear: **she was standing up for Caitlin Clark — because the league hadn’t.**
> “It was just part of the game,” Cunningham said. “But let’s be real. It’s been building for *years* now. The WNBA has failed to protect the face of the league. So yeah — I’m going to protect my teammates. That’s who I am.”
Her words echoed across social media as fans praised her honesty and courage. While Cunningham didn’t name names, her message was loud and clear: she believes the refs — and the league — have allowed Clark to take cheap shots and unnecessary contact game after game, without consequences.
> “I don’t go out there to fight,” she continued. “I go to win. But when the refs ignore it for this long, someone’s got to send a message.”
The incident, which occurred late in the third quarter, sparked immediate reactions from both benches and lit up WNBA Twitter. Cunningham’s hard foul was followed by a quick stare-down — and a message received.
Many fans and analysts are now asking tough questions of WNBA officials: **Why has Caitlin Clark, the league’s most-watched player, been on the receiving end of so many hard hits?** Why did it take another player — not the refs, not the league — to finally step up?
While Cunningham may face a fine or league warning, she’s already won over thousands of fans who feel **“the hate on Caitlin Clark has gone too far.
