WNBA News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to move the ball past Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'Those Refs Giving Her Every Freaking Whistle': Sophie Cunningham ‘Annoyed’ by Paige Bueckers’ Whistle as Fever Star Shares Frustrations

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 8:24 AM ET

Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back after the Indiana Fever’s narrow 81–80 loss to the Dallas Wings. On her Show Me Something podcast, the guard called out the referees for blowing “every freaking whistle” for rookie Paige Bueckers.

“I love Paige to death, do not get me wrong. I think that she’s a hell of a player … but those refs were giving her every freaking whistle last night. Like you literally couldn’t touch her and that sh*t is so annoying.” Cunningham said (19:46 timestamp).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYNtgUwoazE

The issue came to a head early in the game when Cunningham committed a flagrant foul on Bueckers during a close-out, ruling the call reckless and controversial. The result: free throws and full possession for the Wings. Fans quickly voiced their support, one calling the call “a legit flagrant” while others pointed to political consistency concerns.

Cunningham’s rant isn’t the first time she’s clashed with league officials—she’s been fined twice this summer (including a $1,500 penalty) for criticizing officiating. She laughed about it on social media, noting, “Maybe it’s useless.” Her critics say she’s skilled at voicing real frustrations both on the court and off.

WNBA legend Paige Bueckers has been drawing fouls all season—averaging 18.4 points—and is already favored for Rookie of the Year. But Cunningham’s point was loud and clear: Bueckers seems to have referee immunity, while the Fever’s physical play is penalized more harshly.

For now, Sophie Cunningham has made her message loud and clear: inconsistency frustrates players—and next time, she hopes the refs call both teams the same way.

Sophie Cunningham Receives Flagrant Foul After Challenge on Paige Bueckers

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham found herself in hot water during Tuesday’s matchup with the Dallas Wings—after being hit with a flagrant foul while contesting Paige Bueckers’ shot early in the game. The refs called the foul “reckless close-out,” and Cunningham took to Twitter reacting with a loud “Goddammit!” as she watched the replay.

Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Despite Bueckers not looking too worse from wear after that incident, fans and pundits were a but unforgiving with the call. From the looks of things, it didn’t really have to end up as bad as the call made it look.

This wasn’t Cunningham’s first officiating flashpoint. She’s been fined again—$1,500 this time—for criticizing referees on her podcast, continuing a streak of fine-able moments tied to how she pushes back on calls.

The drama underlines a bigger issue: Sophie Cunningham is not just raising her voice—she’s forcing the league to address physical play standards and referee consistency, especially during tight playoff races. Teams, fans, and refs are all watching to see how this battle unfolds.