WNBA fines Sophie Cunningham for hard foul on Caitlin Clark during Fever game
Sophie Cunningham
of the
Phoenix Mercury
has been fined for a
flagrant foul
committed against
Indiana Fever
rookie
Caitlin Clark
during a
WNBA
game on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The foul happened in the second quarter of the game, which the Fever won 88-82.
It occurred in the second quarter when
Cunningham
hit Clark while she was in mid-air during a fast break. The hit sent Clark crashing to the floor, but no flagrant foul was called during the game.
The WNBA later reviewed the play and announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, that Cunningham was fined for the hard foul but was not suspended
The referees initially called a common foul but upgraded it to a flagrant 1 after a video review. According to the league, the flagrant 1 was due to 'unnecessary contact.' Clark was able to get back up, take her free throws, and continue playing.
This incident marks the second time in the past month that Clark has been involved in a controversial hard foul. In an earlier game against the Chicago Sky, Chennedy Carter body-checked Clark off the ball, which the league later ruled a flagrant foul.
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Despite the physicality, Clark continues to perform well. She finished Tuesday's game with 15 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, helping her team secure an important win.
The Fever next face the Washington Mystics, while the Mercury will take on the Las Vegas Aces.
Who is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie
Cunningham is an American professional
basketball
player who plays as a guard for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Known for her aggressive play style, she was drafted in 2019 from the University of Missouri, where she was a standout scorer and leader for the Missouri Tigers.
Who is Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark is a star rookie guard for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Drafted first overall in 2024 from the University of Iowa, she averages 21.3 points and 8.7 assists per game in 2025. Clark won Rookie of the Year in 2024 and leads her team's strong performance.
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