Sophie Cunningham’s sister, Lindsey Cunningham, responded on social media following an altercation during the Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun game on Tuesday. The Fever guard was ejected late in the game due to an on-court confrontation, drawing significant attention especially after previous tensions involving Caitlin Clark, Jacy Sheldon, and Marina Mabrey.
Lindsey posted several messages on her Instagram stories, including support from fans who praised Sophie’s toughness as a Missouri country girl and a shoutout from Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports president and Fever supporter. One notable quote read,
“You aren’t gonna beat a Missouri country girl in a fight.”
She also shared a childhood photo of Sophie training in taekwondo at age six in Missouri. The Cunningham family has strong athletic roots: Lindsey played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers, their father Jim was part of the Mizzou football team, and their mother Paula competed in track and field.
The sisters grew up on a farm, spending time swimming, fishing, and riding horses. Sophie earned a black belt in taekwondo before focusing on basketball in high school. At the University of Missouri, she became the all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points.
The Tuesday incident involving Sophie was reportedly a response to Jacy Sheldon poking Caitlin Clark in the eye earlier in the game. Many observers felt the officials struggled to maintain control during the first half, resulting in increased physicality and inconsistent calls.
Pat McAfee Highlights Sophie Cunningham’s Defense of Caitlin Clark
ESPN’s Pat McAfee expressed surprise and admiration over Sophie Cunningham stepping up for Caitlin Clark during the heated game. He praised Sophie’s physicality and competitive spirit, noting the importance of such moments for the WNBA as it navigates critical CBA negotiations.
“There was some ladies last night that were trying to get a little physical,” McAfee said. “And last year, I think something we noticed, a lo of people noticed when Caitlin would get bullied, nobody would do nothing. … They bring in Sophie Cunningham, I had no idea Sophie Cunningham was a black belt at the age of six! Boom!”
—Pat McAfee, ESPN Host
Despite divided opinions and debates over the altercation, the increased visibility is seen as beneficial for the league, which experienced a dip in ratings when Clark was sidelined due to injury. The incident has fueled discussions around enforcement and intensity in WNBA games moving forward.