Social media exploded after a viral image went viral showing Connecticut Sun player Bria Hartley‘s smile after injuring the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham during last Sunday’s game, which Stephanie White’s team led to a 99-93 victory.
Among other highlights on Sunday, Kelsey Mitchell scored 38 points and dished out six assists as the Fever edged the Sun in overtime. All of her points came after a scoreless first quarter. Aliyah Boston also had a dominant performance, scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Bria Hartley’s smile goes viral in defense of Sophie Cunningham
It was in the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the Fever and Sun that Cunningham was forced to leave the game when Sun player Bria Hartley fell awkwardly on top of her. The 29-year-old grabbed her right knee as she fell to the court in visible pain.
In the video of the play, Hartley’s devilish smile is clearly visible after injuring Cunningham. Now, it appears as if Hartley did this on purpose. This prompted the Indiana Fever guard’s mother and sister to call out the WNBA for allowing such behavior and failing to protect its players.
Sophie Cunningham’s family slams WNBA for failing to protect players
Cunningham’s sister, Lindsey, challenged the WNBA to “focus less on fining players for commenting on their poor officiating and more on hiring referees capable of officiating a consistent game and protecting their athletes. Pathetic. Praying for you, @sophaller”.
Sophie Cunningham’s mother, Paula, directed her ire at Hartley, describing her as “a disgruntled player who has issues everywhere she goes; she’s just plain mean and plays out of control”.
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