We all know the game-changing impact Caitlin Clark has brought to the WNBA by now-no one’s debating why the league is raking in record ratings or why players are pushing for bigger paychecks. Sadly, this season has been tough for Clark, who has battled three injuries and hasn’t played in more than five consecutive games-a stark contrast to her injury-free run at Iowa and her rookie year. Of the Fever’s 27 games-including their Commissioners Cup Final win that doesn’t count toward the standings-Clark has only played in 13, and in her last five outings, she hasn’t topped 15 points.
The silver lining? Her teammates have stepped up, keeping the Fever (14-12) in playoff contention, hoping a fully recovered Clark can power a strong finish and secure their first postseason series win since 2015, when they fell in the Finals. Last year’s playoff return after a seven-year drought is just one sign of Clark’s influence, both on and off the court.
Cunningham Calls Out Excessive Targeting on Clark
Sophie Cunningham, the Fever’s second-biggest draw, opened up on her new podcast“Show Me Something” with West Wilson about the rough treatment Caitlin Clark has faced since her rookie days. Reflecting on her time with the Phoenix Mercury last season, Cunningham recalled teammates saying, “Let’s show her what the WNBA’s really about,” admitting that while rookies often get a tough welcome, Clark’s experience has crossed a line.
Now in her second year with Clark as a teammate, Sophie sees it firsthand across every matchup. “I get that rookies face heat, but it’s been over the top with her,” she said, pointing to the tension in games Clark has played despite her injury setbacks. As the league’s biggest name, not everyone’s thrilled with her spotlight, and the stats back this up-Clark drew 4.5 personal fouls per game in 2024, topping all rookies, with many fouls going uncalled.
Last year, fouls on her made up 17.1% of all flagrant fouls, and incidents like the Chennedy Carter foul and the Jacy Sheldon controversy this year show the pattern hasn’t faded. Cunningham also took the opportunity to mention that it frustrates her when people say that Caitlin Clark is not the face of the WNBA.“It really pisses me off when people say she’s not the face of the league. You guys are dumb as f*ck. Literally, you are dumb as f*ck.” Clearly, Sophie enjoys sharing a locker room with Clark, and she knows that her fame will grow if she continues to stand next to her.
Cunningham’s Rise Adds Voice to Clark’s Defense
Sophie Cunningham’s star is on the rise, and her new venture amplifies her stance on Clark. She recently inked a podcast deal with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume, launching “Show Me Something” with West Wilson, her high school pal from Missouri, featuring guests from sports, entertainment, and lifestyle beats. The 28-year-old has been a hot commodity since clashing with Connecticut Sun players on June 17 to back Clark, landing endorsement deals with Ring, Arby’s, and Adidas.
Her social media clout has soared past 1 million followers on both TikTok and Instagram. In her first season with the Fever after six years with the Phoenix Mercury, she’s played 21 games (four starts), averaging 7.5 points and 3.9 rebounds. This platform gives her a louder megaphone to highlight the unfair targeting of Clark, blending her on-court support with off-court influence.
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