In the world of women’s basketball, Sophie Cunningham is not known for holding back. The Indiana Fever guard combines intense play with unfiltered statements, earning her a reputation as the team’s “enforcer.” This bold attitude put her back in the spotlight on August 7, when, during a Fever-Mercury matchup, she had a physical and verbal exchange with veteran DeWanna Bonner.
The clash wasn’t random. The two players share history: Cunningham arrived at Fever from Mercury, while Bonner made the opposite move. This coincidence added a special layer to the tension, which erupted into a brief but intense shoving match during the game.
Cunningham makes a confession
On the August 13 episode of the Show Me Something podcast, Cunningham admitted there was “a little beef” with Bonner, referring to an off-court altercation. According to Sophie, the conflict began when Bonner left Fever requesting a trade after a losing streak-without even saying goodbye to her then-teammates.
“I still support her, but I think the professional thing would’ve been to send a message to your teammates,”Cunningham said, making it clear that it wasn’t Bonner’s departure that bothered her, but the way it happened.
Sophie Cunningham and her cryptic message
Two days after that confession, Sophie Cunningham posted a phrase on Instagram that left everyone puzzled:
“I’m trying to stop being mean, but it’s like y’all gotta stop being stupid first.
Although she didn’t name anyone, many fans interpreted the jab as being aimed at Bonner and the recent controversy.
During the podcast, West Wilson asked her directly if Bonner’s reaction during the game was related to her comments. Cunningham didn’t hesitate: “Hell yes. 1,000%.” She also claimed Bonner only focused on the part where she asked for “more professionalism” and didn’t hear the full context.
A WNBA rivalry
Cunningham also hinted that the animosity between the two teams goes further back, as several Mercury players have passed through Fever’s coaching staff. “I think our teams don’t like each other anyway… but I could’ve been way meaner,” she said with a smile.
Although Phoenix Mercury won that game with a crushing 35-point lead, Fever’s shooting guard said she was satisfied with her performance and the intensity she showed. Still, the atmosphere seems far from cooling down-especially after her fiery social media post.
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