The Indiana Fever are facing backlash after signing Brianna Turner, a former Chicago Sky forward, despite her controversial remarks about the team and its star, Caitlin Clark. Turner, who joined the Fever on February 17, 2025, has stirred up strong reactions among fans, particularly for her previous criticisms of Clark and Fever supporters during the 2024 season.
Turner, who began her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 before being traded to the Chicago Sky, is known for her defensive prowess. Although her stats may not stand out—averaging just 1.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game—Turner has been named to two WNBA All-Defensive First Teams. However, her recent public behavior has overshadowed her on-court accomplishments for some fans. Her comments on social media about Clark’s fans being rude and unacceptable led to significant backlash, which Turner later deleted. This has made her new signing by the Fever a contentious topic among supporters.
Many WNBA fans took to social media to voice their concerns about the move, questioning the team’s decision to bring in a player who had previously criticized both their star player and the fanbase. Comments ranged from disappointment in the front office’s judgment to doubts about the potential for team unity in the locker room. Some fans called for an apology from Turner before they could accept her joining the Fever, suggesting that her past comments could cause division within the team.
Despite the controversy, the Fever seem to be focused on bolstering their roster with experienced players. In addition to Turner, the team has made significant moves during free agency, bringing in veterans like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham to build around Caitlin Clark. These strategic additions aim to strengthen both the offense and defense for the upcoming season, making the Fever a more competitive team overall. However, whether or not Turner will play a significant role in the 2025 season remains uncertain, as the roster continues to take shape.
The signing of Brianna Turner underscores a broader issue within professional sports: the challenge of balancing player talent and team chemistry. While Turner’s defensive skills are undeniable, the public fallout from her comments highlights the growing influence of fan sentiment in the decisions of sports teams. With her controversial past lingering, the Fever’s handling of this situation will likely continue to spark conversation throughout the season.
