Sophie Cunningham has had enough. The Indiana Fever guard has publicly criticized WNBA officials, echoing growing concerns from players and fans about the unchecked physicality leading to a surge in injuries across the league.
Known for speaking her mind-even when it results in fines-Cunningham has consistently called out referees for poor officiating throughout the season.
The issue escalated during the postseason, where officials failed to curb excessive physical play, damaging not only the quality of the game but also player safety. Frustrated, Cunningham issued a renewed plea-not just to referees, but to the league itself.
Cunningham demands change in officiating standards
On the latest episode of her podcast, Show Me Something, Cunningham referenced a viral video circulating on social media that highlights uncalled fouls against some of the league’s top stars.
“And it was like you knew the agenda. They made it too obvious,” the Fever guard said. While she acknowledged the challenges of officiating, she criticized the lack of transparency.
“Everyone is texting them, just trying to get clarity-why is this called? Why is this not called? And at the end of the day, they respond, ‘Well, this meets the criteria,'” Cunningham explained.
But for her, that answer falls short. “Well then, the criteria need to change. If our game is growing and evolving, then our criteria can’t be from the 1700s.”
“We’re killing each other”: Cunningham sounds the alarm
Cunningham noted that while some fans and media want a more physical league, the level of contact during the regular season is already intense-and shouldn’t escalate in the playoffs.
“We’re out there killing each other. Everyone is getting injured,” said Cunningham, who missed the playoffs with a right knee injury.
She believes this trend is hurting the league’s appeal. “That’s not fun for the fans to watch,” she said. “We are highly skilled, competitive basketball players who are elite at our craft. That’s what people want to see.”
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