Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham Criticizes WNBA Physicality After Caitlin Clark Incident

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly criticized the WNBA for the excessive physicality directed at her teammate, Caitlin Clark, describing it as "too much" and beyond typical rookie treatment. Cunningham, who has gained considerable attention following a physical altercation with Connecticut Sun's Jacy Sheldon, explained that the league's players have targeted Clark to "toughen her up," with some teams even discussing how to challenge her physically in locker rooms. Despite being a rising star and two-time All-Star, Clark has faced frequent injuries this season, which Cunningham partially attributes to this intensified physical approach. Cunningham's loyalty to Clark led to her retaliatory foul against Sheldon, resulting in a $900 fine and ejection from the game, highlighting ongoing frustrations with officiating and league discipline. The incidents have sparked discussions about fairness and player safety in the WNBA, with Cunningham calling out league officials indirectly and emphasizing the need for better protection of players like Clark. Clark remains a prominent figure in the league, recognized by fans and media but receiving mixed peer evaluations, underscoring the complex dynamics at play surrounding her treatment.