Sophie Cunningham gains 550K TikTok followers as she defends teammate Caitlin Clark in game against Sun

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Sophie Cunningham has become the new star after she fiercely defended her teammate Caitlin Clark during the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, June 17, night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Clark was first reportedly attacked by the Sun players before Cunningham took revenge on the opposing team. 

As a result, the 28-year-old has now gained more than 500K TikTok followers, as reported by BroBible. Sales of Jerseys featuring her name have also skyrocketed.

Sophie Cunningham hailed by Jared Verse 

Media personality Collin Rugg tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham has gained over 530,000 followers on TikTok since tackling a Sun player who had fouled Caitlin Clark. WNBA ratings are about to skyrocket.”

She even received a shout-out from Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse, who tweeted, “THIS STANDING ON BUSINESS!!!!”

But amid this, a petition on Change.org has been initiated against Cunningham, demanding she be banned from the WNBA.

Sophie Cunningham accused of ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ during games

In the petition, Sophie Cunningham was accused of showing “unsportsmanlike conduct during games against the Connecticut Sun.”

“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,” it alleged.

The online petition also noted, “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.”

At the time of writing this story, the request has received 239 signatures of support.

What happened during the Commissioner's Cup matchup?

As per reports, the Commissioner's Cup match turned intense in the third quarter when Clark was ganged up on by Sun guards Jacy Sheldon and Marina Mabrey.

First Sheldon reportedly poked the 23-year-old in her eyes before the latter was pushed to the ground by Mabrey.

But Cunningham soon took charge of Clark by shoving Sheldon to the ground during the final minute of regulation.

The Sun’s head coach, Rachid Meziane, however, only had an issue with Cunningham.

He said, as per Yahoo, “When you are winning a game by 17 points and you are doing this stupid foul, this is just disrespectful. I don't know how Jacy and Lindsay [got] rejected from the game when they did nothing.”