FANS have started a petition to have Sophie Cunningham banned from the WNBA following her controversial involvement in the Indiana Fever’s victory over the Connecticut Sun.
Cunningham, 28, caused a stir when she threw Sun star Jacy Sheldon to the ground as she approached the basket during a fast break.
Fans have started a petition to ban Sophie Cunningham from the WNBA[/caption]
Cunningham has come under fire for a foul on Jacy Sheldon this week[/caption]
Cunningham shoved Sheldon to the ground[/caption]
The incident immediately sparked a brawl between both teams and saw Cunningham grab the head of Sheldon when she bounced back to her feet to confront her.
Both players were ejected following a review, while Sheldon’s team-mate Lindsay Allen was also dismissed.
Marina Mabrey and Cunningham have both been fined by the WNBA for their Flagrant-2 fouls.
But some WNBA fans don’t seem satisfied with the punishment and have gone as far as signing a petition to have Cunningham REMOVED from the league.
A petition titled “Remove Sophie Cunningham from WNBA for misconduct” on Change.Org has already amassed hundreds of signatures since it was made three days ago.
It cites “repeated displays of unsportsmanlike conduct” that “tarnished the reputation of the WNBA” and “compromised the safety of other players” as it urged the league to take rigorous action.
Other fans have disagreed with the strong stance, claiming that Cunningham was right to stand up for teammate Caitlin Clark, who had been subject to multiple fouls by Sun players throughout the game.
In response to the petition, one fan wrote: “This is the sorriest excuse for a petition I’ve ever seen.
Sophie Cunningham Petition
Read the full reasoning behind the Change.Org petition below…
Sophie Cunningham’s repeated displays of unsportsmanlike conduct during games against the Connecticut Sun have reached a point where decisive action is necessary. Cunningham has been involved in numerous incidents that have not only compromised the safety of other players but also tarnished the reputation of the WNBA as a league that prides itself on integrity and fair play.
The WNBA has always been a beacon of sportsmanship and empowerment, showcasing the talents of incredible athletes who inspire fans around the world. However, players must adhere to a code of conduct that ensures fairness and respect on the court. Sophie Cunningham’s aggressive and malicious actions have violated these principles, diminishing the spirit of competition and setting a poor example for aspiring young athletes.
Incidents of note include Cunningham’s on-court aggressions that have led to physical altercations, injury to fellow athletes, and disruption of games, impacting both teams’ performances and the overall enjoyment of fans. Her behavior not only affects the immediate players but also threatens the league’s standing in the sporting community and its image as a promoter of positive, inspiring athletics.
We urge the WNBA to uphold its standards and take firm action against players who repeatedly demonstrate disrespect and aggression toward others. Removing Sophie Cunningham from the league would send a strong message that the WNBA does not tolerate violence or intimidation, ensuring that the court remains a place for celebration, skill, and unity rather than conflict.
Stand with us in calling for change to preserve the essence of what WNBA basketball truly represents. Sign this petition to demand Sophie Cunningham’s removal from the league and help maintain the WNBA as a shining example of professionalism and respect in sports.
“Getting Sophie Cunningham removed from the WNBA won’t make your team win more than three games next season.”
While earlier in the week Cunningham had been lauded from big name fans and pundits.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy wrote: “I f*****g love Sophie Cunningham. About time someone said enough it enough. You cheap shot Caitlin [and] we will get you.”
While iconic sportscaster Rich Eisen praised the feisty game and moment on his show.
He said: “You know what? It was just amazing. If this was the NBA it would be everywhere.
“But this isn’t the NBA. The NBA, sometimes, doesn’t match this intensity of what I’m seeing on the screen with the WNBA. That’s a fact.”
The incident sparked a brawl on the court[/caption]
Cunningham could be seen grabbing the head of Sheldon during the scuffle[/caption]
