Sophie Cunningham Fined Over Viral TikTok – WNBA Faces Backlash Over “Double Standards”
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is once again making headlines—this time not for her on-court toughness, but for a playful TikTok video that’s landed her in hot water with the league.
The Indiana Fever guard was slapped with a $500 fine after posting a TikTok where she lip-synced lyrics from Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” with the caption “@ some refs.” The clip included the line: “Stupid, or is it slow? Maybe it’s useless?”—a clear jab at officiating.
Fans were quick to rally behind Cunningham, accusing the WNBA of hypocrisy and selective enforcement. “They said I was just having fun… now they’re trying to erase me,” Cunningham quipped, echoing growing frustrations among players and supporters alike.
This latest penalty follows a $400 fine Cunningham received in June after a heated altercation defending teammate Caitlin Clark. Yet despite nearly $1,000 in fines, Cunningham remains unfazed—she’s even secured a new endorsement with Ring, leaning into her role as the league’s outspoken enforcer.
With Indiana fighting for playoff positioning, Cunningham’s grit—and growing fan support—may be just what the Fever need.
