The Indiana Fever have been gaining momentum with a 19-16 record as the playoffs approach, but their progress is clouded by persistent injuries. Most notably, star player Caitlin Clark has missed 13 straight games due to a groin injury, sparking controversy around her absence. The debate intensified after analyst Skip Bayless questioned the legitimacy of Clark’s injury, prompting teammate Sophie Cunningham to strongly defend her in an emotional response.
Sophie Cunningham Confronts Criticism from Skip Bayless
On the recent episode of the
“Show Me Something Sophie Cunningham & West Wilson”
podcast, Cunningham addressed Bayless’s remarks without hesitation. She highlighted the mental and emotional toll players endure when sidelined, expressing frustration toward those who undermine such struggles.
“When you’re an elite-level player, you not being able to play is the hardest part. Mentally, physically, emotionally. You know what I mean? Like, it’s not playing. It’s when you’re playing is like when you’re a part of it. like you’re built for that. So when people have say stuff like that, I’m just like just shut up,”
Cunningham said during the podcast.
Bayless had suggested on his own show that Clark‘s withdrawal from the All-Star Weekend was less about injury and more about making a statement to the league. He implied that Clark’s absence was intended to show how much viewership would decline without her presence. Bayless remarked,
“Ultimately, as I record this, the ratings for Saturday night’s All-Star game are not out yet. But I’m pretty certain they won’t be anywhere near last year’s record of 3.44 million. I’m pretty sure without Caitlin Clark, that did not happen.”
He further speculated,
“So, this all made me wonder if maybe Caitlin got so tired of all the ungrateful resentment and all that petty jealousy that she finally said, ‘Okay, let’s see how you do without me,’”
during an episode of The Skip Bayless Show. These comments sparked strong backlash from fans, with Cunningham stepping up decisively to protect her teammate’s reputation.
Instances Showing Sophie Cunningham’s Loyalty to Caitlin Clark
Cunningham’s defense of Clark is part of a history of fierce support. During a tense game against the Connecticut Sun on June 17, Clark was forcefully knocked down by Marina Mabrey. Later in that same game, Cunningham retaliated by pulling down Jacy Sheldon, who had been involved in a play moments before, leading to her ejection and a Flagrant 2 foul.
Although Cunningham was fined for the incident, Fever fans largely celebrated her as standing up for their star player. This moment underscored Cunningham’s willingness to physically defend Clark whenever needed, reinforcing the close bond between teammates amidst a challenging season.
Injuries Threaten Fever’s Playoff Prospects as Key Players Face Setbacks
Unfortunately, Cunningham herself is now sidelined after sustaining a significant knee injury during the August 17 matchup with Connecticut. The Indiana Fever announced that she will miss the rest of the 2025 season, a serious blow to their roster.
Clark’s status remains cautiously optimistic, with head coach Stephanie White confirming an expected return before the regular season concludes. Prior to her injury, Clark was averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and five rebounds per game, making her comeback essential for the team’s success in the playoff race.
In the meantime, the Fever are relying on key contributors such as Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston to maintain their competitive edge. They face an upcoming test against the Minnesota Lynx on August 22, a critical game as they aim to preserve their postseason hopes.