Caitlin Clark Defends Teammate Sophie Cunningham After TikTok Ref Controversy
In the midst of growing tension over officiating in the WNBA, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham found herself at the center of attention this week after being fined $500 for a TikTok video that appeared to mock league referees. The video, which went viral with over 1.3 million views, showed Cunningham lip-syncing lyrics that included the words, “Stupid. Or is it, slow? Or maybe, useless?” with the caption “@ some refs.”
While Cunningham took the fine in stride—tweeting jokingly, “I got fined $500 for this TikTok… like ok you got it bud!”—the incident has once again sparked debate about player expression and the quality of officiating in the league.
Now, her teammate Caitlin Clark has broken her silence to publicly support Cunningham.
“I think Sophie was just being herself,” Clark told reporters during a post-practice interview. “She’s fiery, passionate, and protective of her teammates. That video might’ve been lighthearted, but it reflects a real frustration a lot of us feel about the officiating this year.”
Clark, who has also been at the center of several controversial calls herself this season, acknowledged the increasing tension between players and referees. “There have been times where it feels like there’s no consistency,” she said. “We’re competitors. Emotions run high. But at the end of the day, we all want fairness and respect on the court.”
Clark’s comments have added fuel to an already hot conversation around how the league handles criticism—especially on social media. While the WNBA has cracked down on public dissent toward officiating, some players and fans argue that the league should focus more on addressing officiating concerns rather than policing how players express them.
Fever head coach Stephanie White has also been vocal about the issue. “Everybody’s getting better—except the officials,” she said in a press conference last month. “We’ve got to find a solution because right now, it’s affecting the flow and fairness of the game.”
Clark stood by her coach’s assessment: “Coach White speaks truth. We respect the referees and their job isn’t easy, but we also want the same respect in return. Sophie’s TikTok wasn’t hateful—it was frustration. And that’s real.”
Cunningham, who’s developed a reputation as Clark’s on-court protector, was recently ejected from a game against Connecticut after a physical altercation following a heated moment involving Clark. That moment and now this fine have only deepened her status as a fiery teammate unafraid to speak her mind.
“I’ve got her back always,” Clark said. “We’re a team, and that means lifting each other up—on and off the court.”
As the Fever push forward in a tightly contested playoff race, unity may be their strongest weapon. Whether the league will respond to growing calls for officiating reform remains to be seen—but the players are making their voices heard.
And with stars like Caitlin Clark standing up, it’s getting harder to ignore.
