During DeWanna Bonner‘s return to Indiana to face the Fever on Wednesday, she encountered boos from Fever fans at Gaibridge Fieldhouse, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding her exit from the team. Bonner had requested a departure following a brief nine-game tenure with the Fever, where she had signed a $200,000 contract as a significant free agency acquisition. Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts recognized the hostile reception but commended Bonner’s composure after the crowd’s reaction, underscoring the reality of professional sports environments.
“I think, just in sports, it’s kind of what you have to anticipate,”
Tibbetts said in a post-game interview.
“I thought she [DeWanna] handled it fine.”
Fan reactions reveal divisions surrounding Bonner’s departure
Bonner’s move came amid heightened expectations for her to contribute veteran leadership alongside Caitlin Clark and the young Fever core. Her transition was challenging due to a smaller role than anticipated and difficulties adapting to the intense scrutiny from Fever supporters. This tension culminated in an openly negative reaction from fans, including boos that some players and staff found troubling.
Kahlea Copper labeled the fans’ booing as “distasteful,” while Bonner’s fiancé, Alyssa Thomas, engaged in a confrontational exchange with the crowd during the game. Despite these reactions, Tibbetts’ perspective that such responses are part of sports created a contrast to the frustration expressed by some Fever players and supporters.
Expert supports fans’ response to Bonner’s exit
WNBA analyst Robin Lundberg weighed in on the controversy, defending the fans’ reaction while maintaining a general disapproval of booing. He argued that it would be unusual if Fever supporters had not shown their displeasure at Bonner’s departure, framing the moment as part of expected fan behavior in professional sports.
“Booing ain’t my thing. But what would be weird is if Fever fans DIDN’T boo DeWanna Bonner,” Lundberg wrote on X.
This phenomenon is not unique to the WNBA; many notable NBA players such as LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Kyrie Irving have faced similar responses from their former teams’ supporters. Within the WNBA, figures like Breanna Stewart and Dearica Hamby have also encountered criticism from past fanbases.
Fever’s fanbase faces scrutiny amid polarizing reactions
The booing incident involving Bonner has intensified scrutiny of the Fever fanbase, which has faced accusations of aggressive and hostile behavior since Caitlin Clark’s arrival. Multiple players, including Alyssa Thomas, have publicly criticized the fan atmosphere, suggesting that it sometimes crosses acceptable boundaries. This backdrop adds complexity to the booing incident, highlighting continuing tensions between players and the Fever’s passionate but contentious supporters.