Fans ERUPT as Stephanie White & Kelsey Mitchell THROW Sophie Cunningham Under the Bus!

What was supposed to be a routine post-game discussion has turned into one of the most talked-about controversies of the WNBA season. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and star guard Kelsey Mitchell are facing intense backlash after appearing to publicly throw Phoenix Mercury’s Sophie Cunningham under the bus — and fans are not staying silent.

🔥 It All Started With One Question…

Following a tense matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury, tensions boiled over during the post-game press conference. Cunningham had been involved in a physical confrontation during the game — one that resulted in heated exchanges, a technical foul, and visible frustration from multiple players.

When asked about the altercation, Coach Stephanie White didn’t hold back.

“Some players just like to play dirty and act like they’re the victim when it doesn’t go their way,” she said, without naming names — but the implication was loud and clear.

Moments later, Kelsey Mitchell added fuel to the fire:

“She talks a lot, but when it comes time to actually hoop, she disappears. We’re not here for theatrics. We’re here to win.”

The press room fell silent for a moment — and then the backlash began.

💣 Social Media Goes Nuclear

Fans — and fellow players — immediately took to social media to defend Sophie Cunningham, who has built a reputation as a gritty, aggressive player who doesn’t shy away from contact.

Hashtags like #StandWithSophie, #WNBARespect, and #FeverDrama began trending across X (formerly Twitter), with fans accusing White and Mitchell of “bullying,” “unsportsmanlike behavior,” and even “gaslighting” Cunningham in front of the media.

“You can criticize someone’s game without making it personal,” one user wrote.
“Calling out Sophie like that was unprofessional. Where’s the respect?” another added.

🧨 Players React — And So Does Sophie

WNBA players from other teams have also chimed in, with some defending Cunningham’s toughness and others criticizing the Fever for going too far.

Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham responded subtly but powerfully on her Instagram story, posting a photo of herself in-game with the caption:

“I’ll take passion over pettiness any day.”

While she hasn’t named anyone directly, the message was loud enough for fans to know — she’s not backing down.

🏀 A League Divided?

This incident comes at a time when the WNBA is enjoying unprecedented visibility — but also dealing with growing pains, including increased scrutiny of player rivalries, physical play, and sportsmanship.

Some analysts say the league needs to step in before on-court drama turns into off-court division.

“It’s fine to be competitive, but when public statements start to damage player reputations, the league needs to draw a line,” one commentator noted.

As of now, the Fever have not issued a formal apology or clarification, and neither White nor Mitchell has walked back their comments. The Mercury, too, have remained tight-lipped — but sources say the next time these teams face off, expect fireworks.

If one thing’s clear, it’s this: The drama in the WNBA is just getting started — and fans are watching every second.