DeWanna Bonner, a veteran forward recently released by the Indiana Fever, was seen at the Footprint Center during the Phoenix Mercury game on Monday, igniting significant controversy among Fever supporters. Bonner had been unconditionally released on June 25 after announcing she would not return to play for the team, which intensified the backlash from the Fever’s fanbase.

Following her departure, speculation grew that Bonner might join the Phoenix Mercury to reunite with her partner, Alyssa Thomas. During a recent game against the Dallas Wings, Bonner’s appearance courtside garnered a standing ovation from Mercury fans, but this reception sparked outrage among Indiana supporters who viewed her exit negatively.

Fever Fans Voice Harsh Criticism and Accusations

Many Indiana Fever fans expressed their disappointment and anger online, branding Bonner a quitter and questioning her loyalty to the team. Some fans accused her of betraying the Fever and tarnishing her legacy.

“It’s sickening. Standing ovation for the fraud and quitter. Gross,” a fan wrote.

Others posted brief but scathing messages.

“Quitter,” one fan tweeted.

There were also suggestions that Bonner was afraid to compete for a high-profile team like the Fever.

“Don’t be too loud or excited because DB does not like that. It scares her,” one fan commented.

“The league is on the verge of exploding with popularity, but concrete shoes like this keep holding them back. This woman literally quit on a team less than a month ago,” another fan added.

Some fans, however, appeared less concerned about the drama and more focused on the gameplay itself.

“Ni** who cares??? And why does this vid have 14k views already? Smh let’s just see the game,” a fan said.

Anticipation also grew around how Bonner might be received on the court when the Fever face the Mercury again, with fans predicting physical confrontations involving Sophie Cunningham.

“She needs to keep TF out of Sophie’s way when they play the Fever!!” one fan tweeted.

“And i might get me a ticket to that next phx fever game,” another fan commented.

Mercury’s Position on Signing Bonner and Roster Implications

The rumors about DeWanna Bonner joining the Phoenix Mercury have escalated significantly in recent days. ESPN reported on Monday that Bonner was expected to return to the Mercury, the team that drafted her in 2009. Despite mounting reports, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts responded with humor when asked about the potential signing.

“Who is that,” Tibbetts said. ” … I have no comment on this at the moment.”

On Tuesday, Front Office Sports confirmed that Bonner was indeed headed to Phoenix and that the official announcement would come shortly. The Mercury, currently holding the second seed with a 13-6 record behind the Minnesota Lynx, already have their roster full with 12 signed players, the maximum allowed by the WNBA.

As a result, signing Bonner will require the Mercury to waive an existing player, a move that could provoke criticism from fans and complicate the team dynamics. This significant roster change highlights the high stakes involved in Phoenix’s pursuit of sustained success this season.

The Wider Impact of Bonner’s Move on Teams and Fans

DeWanna Bonner’s transfer to the Phoenix Mercury represents a pivotal moment with complex emotions among fans and players alike. For Indiana Fever supporters, her departure has caused feelings of betrayal and anger, reflecting the intensity of loyalty in professional sports. Meanwhile, Phoenix gains a seasoned player who could bolster their title aspirations.

With the WNBA gaining popularity rapidly, decisions like Bonner’s show how player movements can deeply affect fan communities and team chemistry. As the season progresses, how the Mercury integrate Bonner and manage potential roster changes will be closely watched.