Caitlin Clark was hit in the throat during a WNBA loose ball melee, sparking backlash and game suspension
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark was hit in the throat during a loose ball melee, sparking outrage and a one-game suspension for Alyssa Thomas. PK Press Club’ Garrett Tenney reports the “absolutely unacceptable” incident and the coach’s reaction. Political analyst Gianno Caldwell discusses Clark’s immense impact on the WNBA’s viewership, including a $2.2 billion deal, and the role of gender and race in the controversy.
Sophie Cunningham throws even more fuel on the fire of the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark’s sidekick is never one to hide from anything, and in the latest episode of her “Show Me Something” podcast, she didn’t shy away from expressing her true feelings about her former team.
Cunningham has played for the Phoenix Mercury before, but last week the Mercury were public enemy #1 after Alyssa Thomas’ serious foul on Caitlin Clark.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-77. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The foul was not called until the WNBA reviewed the play, upgraded the foul to Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas. But the Mercury also mocked the incident in a since-deleted social media post.
Continually supporting Clark, Cunningham said “nobody” likes the Mercury.
“I know people in their own organization – no one likes their team this year. They say they’re the most hostile group,” Cunningham said. “So we’re not the only ones who feel this way. Internal people feel this way too.”
This, however, drew the ire of USA TODAY WNBA reporter Meaghan L. Hall, who said Cunningham should keep her comments to herself.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-77. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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“My God. I — 1) This is totally unprofessional,” she began in an X-rated post.
“2) How does this help with the point everything current discourse? 3) There is no scenario in which a player should say this about an organization. »
Cunningham spent six seasons with the Mercury before joining the Indiana Fever last year. She was named in a lawsuit last year that claimed she had a sexual relationship with Josh Bartelstein, CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, which she denied.
Indiana Fever guards Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark stand side by side during the second half against the Portland Fire at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon on May 30, 2026. (Jaime Valdez/Imagn Images)
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The Fever and Mercury will face off again on July 9, but Clark’s status remains uncertain due to a lingering issue.
