Sophie Cunningham Fined Again: WNBA Star Refuses to Stay Silent on Controversial Officiating
Sophie Cunningham Fined Again: WNBA Star Refuses to Stay Silent on Controversial Officiating
Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever guard and one of the WNBA’s most outspoken stars, is no stranger to controversy—but her latest fine shows just how high the stakes are when players publicly critique officiating. On Tuesday, Cunningham received yet another fine from the league, adding to a growing tally of penalties for her candid remarks on the court and online.
The latest reprimand stems from comments Cunningham made on her podcast, Show Me Something, about the officiating during a recent game between the Fever and the Dallas Wings. She specifically criticized the “annoying” whistle calls that Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers received during an 81-80 loss for Indiana.
“I love Paige to death, don’t get me wrong,” Cunningham said in the August 13 episode. “I think she’s a hell of a player and would love to play with her one day, but those refs were giving her every frickin’ whistle last night. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her. That’s just so annoying to me.”
Cunningham’s critique, though respectful toward her opponent, didn’t sit well with league officials. She did not disclose the monetary amount of this latest fine, but it joins at least $2,000 in previous fines. Earlier this season, she was fined $500 for a TikTok video and $1,500 for comments made during the first episode of her podcast.
“I’m officially 3-for-3 on being fined by the WNBA,” Cunningham remarked on her show. “They didn’t like my comments on Paige Bueckers. I didn’t even say anything bad!”
Despite the financial penalties, Cunningham shows no intention of holding back her opinions. Her outspoken nature has become a defining feature of her personality both on and off the court, and she has repeatedly emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty when discussing WNBA officiating. For Cunningham, speaking out is part of her commitment to fairness and integrity in the game, even if it means facing league fines.
Cunningham’s latest injury—a season-ending MCL tear—adds another layer of frustration for the Fever guard. Still, her willingness to speak her mind underscores her determination to impact the game beyond just her play. In a league where officiating decisions are often scrutinized, Cunningham’s voice stands out as a reminder that even stars are willing to challenge authority when it matters.
While some fans might see Cunningham’s fines as a cautionary tale about speaking out, others view her candor as a refreshing break from the usual guarded statements that dominate professional sports. Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham is unafraid to call out what she sees as inconsistencies or injustices on the court, even when it comes at a personal cost.
Whether this pattern of fines will continue or change Cunningham’s approach remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—the Indiana Fever guard’s voice is louder than ever, and she’s not planning on staying quiet anytime soon.
