Not only the electrifying game between The Indiana Fever and The Connecticut Sun was a proof of how bexciting WNBA games are, it also had a ‘darker’ side. The game was a bit overshadowed by a frightening moment when Sophie Cunningham had to leave the court due to a painful knee injury.
The scene, which took place after an unwanted collision between Cunningham and Connecticut’sBria Hartley, was called out by many fans who also demand the suspension of Hartley to the WNBA.
A viral photo fuels controversy
People on social media rely on one specific picture while demanding Hartley’s suspension. In the photo we can see Cunningham on the floor clutching her knee as Hartley appeared to laugh at her. Many people interpreted that Hartley’s posture and expression as unemotional, sparking a lot of hot talks online.
“They need to suspend her. She’s going to keep doing it because there’s never any consequences,” one player wrote on social media. Another fan added, “Full criminal investigation should be called for with management.“
This talk has reignited the conversations about player’s security and accountability under the WNBA rules and policies.
Cunningham’s family breaks silence
Most of the concerning comments came directly form Cunningham’s family, for example:
- Her sister, Lindsey Cunningham, asked the WNBA to “protect your athletes,” talking about how the league handles other issues but not dangerous plays.
- Her mom also spoke up, calling Hartley “plain mean” and “out of control,” before she took down her post. She pointed out Hartley’s rough style, saying it is not the first time.
Their words make it hard for the league to ignore the situation, but it is not guaranteed that thay will take action.
WNBA’s constant silence on the matter
The WNBA has stayed quiet so far. There are no updates about if Hartley will be punished or other consequences will apply. This guilty silence only makes fans and critics more upset with the orgaization, while many say the league might does not really care about player safety as much as they say they do.
With the Fever is in the middle of a tough season while also dealing with hard injuries, losing Cunningham could hurt their playoff chances.
This mess points out at what the WNBA has to deal with in the close future:
- Keeping players safe at high-risk game moments.
- League credibility by proving it can handle such issues well.
- Fan trust to sure everybody understand the league’s rules.
Unless the league acts quick, people will keep calling for Hartley to be suspended.
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