Sophie Cunningham Issues Apology After Actions in Fever Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 1:34 AM ET

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is sorry for her choice of words during a heated moment in her team's 81-80 loss to the Dallas Wings on Tuesday, but is standing by her sentiment.

The Fever guard grew upset after being called for a foul late in the second quarter while defending Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers. Replay showed that it could have been called an offensive foul on Bueckers for pushing off, but it was Cunningham who drew the whistle instead.

Video appeared to show Cunningham saying a curse word while arguing the call. The Fever guard took to social media after the game to offer something of an apology, while also appearing to justify her actions.

"I didn’t mean to say the Lords name in vain BUT….." Cunningham wrote in a post on X.

That wasn't the only controversial call involving Cunningham. She was later whistled for a flagrant foul while guarding Bueckers, with the official determining she didn't give adequate room for the rookie to land after a jumpshot.

Paige privilege showing up early. 3 fts and a flagrant foul called on Sophie pic.twitter.com/Dn0M8itCln
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) August 12, 2025

Cunningham's coach had her back after the game. Speaking to reporters, Fever coach Stephanie White called out officials for what she saw as a double standard with the calls.

"There's a double standard there, certainly," White said. "But, you know, if it's going to be physical, and you're going to allow us to be physical, then allow both teams to be physical. If you're going to call the holds, and you're going to call the chucks, then call it both ways. So, I mean, I think that we've been pretty consistent in what we're asking for, and I didn't feel like it was consistent."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: