Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Phoenix Mercury, has been fined $400 by the WNBA for a flagrant foul committed against Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark during a recent game. The league confirmed the penalty following a post-game review, determining the contact warranted a Flagrant 1 classification under WNBA rules. The incident has sparked discussion across the league, drawing attention not only to the physical nature of the game but also to the growing spotlight surrounding Clark’s entry into professional basketball.
The foul occurred during a tightly contested matchup between the Mercury and the Fever. Midway through the second quarter, Clark attempted to drive to the basket when Cunningham, rotating defensively, delivered a hard body check that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the floor. Officials immediately stopped play, reviewed the sequence, and assessed Cunningham with a Flagrant 1 foul—defined as unnecessary contact that is not excessive.
After the game, the play became a talking point on sports talk shows and across social media platforms, with fans and analysts divided on whether the foul crossed the line or was simply a hard-nosed basketball play. Cunningham, known for her intense defensive approach and physicality, defended her actions after the game, stating, “I play tough defense, and I’m not going to apologize for that. It wasn’t personal.
