Sophie Cunningham recently made headlines with a candid and passionate statement regarding the lack of protection Caitlin Clark has received during her time in the WNBA. Known for her competitive fire and fearless approach, Cunningham didn’t hold back as she reflected on a recent incident, saying she felt compelled to step in because the league had failed to adequately protect one of its brightest young stars.
In her remarks, Cunningham emphasized that she doesn’t come into games with a mindset focused on creating conflict or causing drama. Her primary focus, she said, is on executing plays, making shots, and carrying out her responsibilities on the court with intensity and precision. However, she acknowledged that the situation she found herself in was not entirely spontaneous—it was the result of frustration that had been building over an extended period.
According to Cunningham, the WNBA’s failure to properly safeguard its most high-profile players, like Clark, ultimately led to tensions boiling over. She pointed to the referees and league officials, suggesting that their lack of consistent enforcement and protection created an environment where unnecessary physicality and disrespect could flourish. As a result, she felt obligated to act—not for herself, but in defense of her teammate.
Cunningham made it clear that she sees herself as a team-first player, and that protecting her teammates will always be a priority. She ended by reinforcing her identity as someone who plays hard, follows the game plan, and stands up when necessary. In her view, her actions weren’t about personal vendettas—they were about principle, loyalty, and accountability.
