The Indiana Fever established a WNBA milestone Tuesday night, breaching the 100-point threshold for a record 12th time this season in their 105-95 road victory over the Seattle Storm.
But the most significant story surrounding the franchise and the league didn’t take place on the hardwood at Climate Pledge Arena; hours before tip-off, an anti-trans rally materialized outside the arena, allegedly organized in support of Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
Advertisement
Sophie Cunningham-Inspired Off-Court Distraction Spills Over After Fever-Storm Clash
According to a Fox News report, the demonstration was spearheaded by Washington-based podcast host Brandi Kruse, activist Amy E. Sousa, and the activist group “Women Are Real.”
The incident stemmed from Cunningham’s public remarks regarding trans athletes competing in women’s sports during an ESPN interview last week.
With the news of the rally taking place, there were immediate counter-protests from people who have fiercely advocated for the LGBTQ+ community.
That spotlight intensified as media approached head coach Stephanie White and players after the game, seeking the team’s reaction to the demonstration unfolding beyond the arena walls.
Advertisement
Instead of allowing the players or coaching staff to respond, the Fever’s public relations department immediately interrupted.
“Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers,” a Fever PR representative stated. “Our only goal as a team, whether at home or away, is to win basketball games and make Fever fans for life, and we are united in that mission.”
In a league celebrated for its player-driven activism, the response struck a sour note, sparking fury among the WNBA community.
Advertisement
“Extremely notable choice in this statement is the decision to say they had no contact with the organizers of the rally and NOT to say, ‘The statements made by the organizers of this rally do not reflect the views of this organization,'” one user posted.
“Wow, thankful Fever PR stepped in before anyone could say anything of substance and give us a real opinion. Sickening silence from the league,” another added.
“I don’t like when PR get involved. Say how you really feel lol,” podcast host RJ Hunt wrote.
“Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham were not made available for non-basketball questions postgame. Clark was listed as one of the Fever players for the postseason press conference but was replaced by Kelsey Mitchell despite being the highest scorer and assist leader on the team,”WNBA journalist Roberta F. Rodrigues, who asked White the initial question, added.
“They keep lying 🤥 she was well aware and didn’t say anything. If they’re protesting in your name, the honourable thing to do is speak up against it. Silence [means] consent,” another account claimed.
Advertisement
“So they didn’t know about the rally but had a prepared statement about the rally…….at a certain point it gets quite clear where they stand on this matter,” Emmy-nominated sportscaster Chris Williamson weighed in.
While the off-court storyline was marred by controversy, Indiana’s on-court performance was a positive.
The Fever jumped all over the Storm in the opening frame, outscoring Seattle 37-20 in the first quarter.
Caitlin Clark led the charge for White’s team, posting 32 points on 9-for-14 shooting, while Cunningham provided an immediate spark off the bench, scoring 11 points in 24 minutes of action.
While Indiana prepares for Friday’s road clash against the Portland Fire, this latest off-court fiasco appears unlikely to simmer down anytime soon.
