SUSPENDED! Sophie Cunningham Injured & Bria Hartley Caught Laughing After Dirty Hit in Fever Game

What started as a high-stakes matchup for the Indiana Fever turned into a firestorm of controversy after Sophie Cunningham was injured following a hard foul by teammate Bria Hartley—and cameras later caught Hartley laughing moments after the incident, sparking outrage across the WNBA community.

The Incident

Midway through the second quarter of the Fever’s home game on Tuesday night, Cunningham was driving toward the basket during a routine scrimmage-style sequence when Hartley delivered a sudden, unnecessary body check, knocking Cunningham hard to the floor. Cunningham stayed down for several moments, clutching her shoulder—the same one she had recently returned from rehabbing.

While the referees did not issue a flagrant at the time due to the play occurring during a team practice scrimmage, sideline cameras captured what happened next: Hartley turning to the bench, smirking and laughing, appearing unbothered by the injury she had just caused.

Within minutes, social media erupted with fan videos and clips of the hit, calling it a “cheap shot” and accusing Hartley of deliberate intent. Hashtags like #SuspendHartley and #JusticeForSophie began trending almost immediately.

WNBA Responds Swiftly

By early Wednesday morning, the WNBA issued a formal suspension for Bria Hartley, effective immediately and without pay. In the league’s official statement, they cited “conduct detrimental to team integrity and unsportsmanlike behavior” as the reason for the disciplinary action.

“The WNBA holds all players to a high standard of professionalism and sportsmanship,” the statement read. “In light of recent footage and the impact of her actions, Bria Hartley has been suspended indefinitely pending further review.”

Sophie Cunningham’s Status

Initial reports indicate that Cunningham suffered a re-aggravation of her shoulder injury, though the full extent won’t be known until after an MRI is completed later this week. The team has not confirmed how long she will be sidelined, but insiders fear it could end her season.

“This is heartbreaking,” head coach Sandy Brondello said post-practice. “Sophie has worked so hard to get back. We’re deeply disappointed in what happened today.”

Brondello declined to comment on Hartley’s behavior but emphasized that “respect within the team is non-negotiable.”

Fallout in the Locker Room

Multiple Fever players have reportedly expressed discomfort with Hartley’s actions, both the hit and her reaction. Tensions are said to be high within the locker room, and sources say the organization is considering contract termination depending on the outcome of the league’s investigation.

“This isn’t just about a foul—it’s about culture, trust, and respect,” one Fever player told a reporter anonymously. “We can’t have this kind of energy on a team fighting for unity.”

What’s Next?

As the Fever scramble to stay playoff-relevant, the team now finds itself in the middle of a crisis that could define the rest of their season. With Cunningham’s health uncertain and Hartley suspended, the organization faces serious questions about internal discipline and accountability.

Fans are demanding answers. The WNBA is watching closely. And the Fever? They’ll have to find a way to move forward—together or not.